Later Than Witchcraft, Still

we buried witchcraft
but kept old snake oil bottles
lined up on our shelves
hooked up with magic potions
to give hope when logic fails

science displays signs
fate is foretold on the screen
yet we plead for cures
still brewed over smoky fires
hope fixes we can't forgo

hunger stays away
concoctions remove old stains
herbs promise rebirth
purging latter-day poisons
making tomorrow spotless

old curses survive
though no cauldron lights the room
we demand revenge
through hidden spells and curses
that only witchcraft provides

when reason falls short
shadowy figures emerge
in crystal ball veils
to give our nameless fears cause
rather than leave darkness blank

science lights the room
yet something circles in flames
older than knowledge
witchcraft belatedly lives
where reason cannot go