Poem Central: Word Journeys

Instructions, exactly

Take this medicine
on an empty stomach
preferably half to one hour
before breakfast. Take this

medicine with a full glass
of water. Take this medication
at least four hours before
taking antacids, iron

or vitamins
or minerals
or supplements.
Take or use this medicine

exactly as directed. Do not
skip doses or discontinue
unless directed by your
doctor. Take this

medicine exactly
as directed.
Do not skip
doses.

- Drew Myron

Instructions, Exactly is a found poem. A whole text, lifted from my medicine bottle and reformed — with line breaks providing places to pause — into art. I'm happy and honored to have this poem included in Poem Central: Word Journeys with Readers and Writers by Shirley McPhillips.

Packed with tips, techniques and practical tools, this handsome book is a focused and valuable resource for poets, teachers, and poets-in-the-making.

Divided into three parts — weaving poetry into lives and classrooms, reading poems, and writing poems — Poem Central gathers together a range of voices: professional poets, inspired teachers, known and unknown writers, artists, illustrators, musicians, editors, and students, who offer examples and samples of how poetry plays a part in their lives. This down-to-earth approach gives the book an encouraging and inclusive vibe.

Poem Central is truly a journey for, and with, readers and writers.