Pharmacy Blues

—C(22)H(30)N(6)O(4)S

Assuming every diamond—

shaped pill popped achieved 

its desired outcome, 

in 1998 there may’ve been 

as many as 100 million 

more erections, 

all thanks to sildenafil 

citrate, the first oral 

medication approved 

to treat impotency. 

Having not yet graduated 

college (or in one case 

high school), the pretty 

pharmacy clerks weren’t 

prepared for the lecherous 

old men who came in 

to pick up bottles fitted 

with child-proof caps to 

eliminate any barrier 

when the mood struck.

It was an innocent time, 

innuendo missing from

commercials then, instead 

in a suit and tie, a

former senator spoke in stark

tones about his medical

conditions & for men not 

to be ashamed about 

seeking help for erectile 

dysfunction or ED. 

But for the young clerks 

verifying dates of birth 

then “do you have any questions  

for the pharmacist?” 

some replies made them feel 

ill, but at least they were 

safe behind a counter as they

were christened into

the daily cycle of harassment

towards women.