Toxic Strain

The dull luster of deadly nightshade
The slightly sweet dark berries
The tart taste that belied their sly effect
Oblivious to the truth-in-advertising mandates
Plausible disguise, fruit as attractive nuisances

So then, the anatomy of a medical puzzle
Elements of the differential diagnosis
No recent exposures that would account for the symptoms
The long walks were the only change in the routine
The dilated pupils were the sign that eventually aroused suspicion

Teasing it out with expressions of interest
It's great that you're improving your fitness
But that harvested reward near the end of the trail
Is a culinary deception, call it a toxic strain

Toxic Strain, a playlist

A soundtrack to this note (spotify version)

• Deadly Nightshade by Brand X
• Deadly Nightshade by Wormtooth
• Deadly Combination by Nneka
• Deadly Nightshade by Ashlee Standish

File under: health, plant, medicine, poison, life, mystery, poetry, toli

Writing log: June 13, 2023