Physic

Should black bile sophisticate my blood 

and shock my joints into a rictus lock
then with your sharpest knife open my veins
and drain the viscous liquor into a jar

carefully label with the subject's name
spend flower petals in the velvet red
stir sweet spices through the carmine brew
and agitate until they marry true

leave this dark claret in a sun-filled spot
or by a winter fire if season must
and for the turning of a half a day
let nature take its course

the tired spirit, blessed and nurtured thus
will grow and ferment, gather strength anew
now duly pumped afresh within my veins
watch colour revive the pallor of my cheeks
and gorgeous life return into my soul.