A vial of shadows, languid
Rests upon an outstretched hand
A viscous and vaporous oil
Accompanied by a stretching smile

Or a sneer?
Smothered by slick veneer
Fingers clink on the tonic, and
Colours spring to life
Vivacious and clonic

"Drink deep of this truth, my child
receive strength, wisdom and guile!
For this great gift, I ask only your time
                                                            ­          and a dime
                                                                         (or two dozen)     
                                                     ­        
One hundred percent success
A modern panacea, no less
It only fails, you see, if
You fail to believe"