Her Remedies, My Remedies

For phlegm on the chest:
a double fold of flannel
larded and laid with onion
slices, warmed in the stove
till soft and fumey.

“But ai, the reek!” she said.
“Vicks Vaporub will do.”

For woman-troubles:
Ginger Tea (this worked
but was illegal.)

For heartbreak:
physical labor
till you cry
with rage and pain.

For coughing: quit.
Or smoke Gauloises.

For cramps: go watch
the shiny little children
overpump park swings.

For heartbreak:
sleep with strangers.

Library