A Dangerous Remedy

When sickness came knocking
Grandma had a remedy
I wasn't given a choice
Just a spoonful of misery

She'd reach into the Vicks jar
Scoop out a generous lump
Put it right inside my mouth
And tell me to swallow it up

I'd cringe, I'd gag, I'd protest
But Grandma wasn't hearing me
She had a method to her madness
Or so it seemed to be

Then came the butter and sugar
Rolled together in a little ball
A sweet reward for my suffering
The consolation prize of all

I hated that Vicks with a passion
But I trusted Grandma's care
Never questioned her intentions
Never thought to be aware

Years later I made a discovery
That left me wondering why
That little jar contained camphor
An ingredient toxic if swallowed inside

What Grandma thought would cure me
Was never meant to be ingested
A dangerous remedy perhaps
But her love was never questioned

I wish she were here to ask her
To hear her side of the story
She's the only other witness
To that little piece of history

I may have lost the recipe
But the memory remains clear
A little butter, a little sugar,
And a Grandma I still hold dear