White Pill

Five hundred milligrams taken by mouth
Twice daily, with breakfast and supper.
WARNING: this prescription may have unwanted side effects,
Nausea, a metallic taste in the back of the throat
Among other less well phrased maladies.
For instance, a sudden lingering pain
Attacking at any time at its own discretion,
Much like a needle writhing under the skin,
Hunting any vein able to forfeit its crimson load.
This drug, gleefully circulating its insidious games,
Simultaneously healing, regulating, breaking down.
Is this white pill a savior or a slaver,
This willing poison in the blood?

Heist