The Evolution of Medicine

THE EVOLUTION OF MEDICINE

Twenty centuries ago, medicine was far from astute.
If you were sick your neighbor said, here, eat this root.

A thousand years after, religion supplanted health care
That root is heathen, to be well say this prayer.

A few centuries later alchemy was the grand notion.
That prayer is heathen, here, drink this potion.

Then soon after, science knew what made you ill,
That potion is mere snake oil, here, take this pill.

Not long ago, dispensing medicine became robotic
That pill is ineffective, here, take this antibiotic.

Now chemicals are the enemy, nature’s healing beyond refute.
That antibiotic is artificial, here, eat this root.

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This poem appeared in "Breathing for Clouds" available from Big Table Publishing.

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©2014 Christopher Reilley

 
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