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A is for Arsenic.....

The poisoner's favorite because of its ready availability--- no one thought twice about a neighbor's visit to the chemist for pesticide.

Though, during Victorian times, the industrious poisoner need not travel any further than their front room to gather supplies. It's honestly surprising that we have survived past our Victorian ancestors considering they added arsenic to everything, including paints, wallpapers and even cosmetics....

It's bad enough we consume trace amounts in our drinking water, but to purposely add it to paints and make-up because of its pretty color? Mixing arsenic with copper creates a lovely, yet lethal emerald-green that found its way innocently added to playing cards, candles, curtains, even dress fabric. It might have gone without saying that a person should avoid ingesting something labeled rat poison, but to be aware of inhaling the same poison from the wallpaper hanging in your bedroom or from your hand of poker??

Ah, how many accidental poisonings could have been avoided if the Victorians didn't have such a penchant for all things green......


Arsenic Waltz
Shall we take a turn, my dear,
the waltz they play is just for you.
Don't mind the burn from evening meal,
as failing sight blurs your gown's emerald hue.

Don't tremble as your heart's beat slows, 
think not of staggered steps, unsure.
Hold tight to me as the dark of evening grows,
as night, unending, your sweet life, does swiftly lure.
                                         
                                                                                                     -- e.a.s. demers
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  1. AnonymousApril 1, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    I had no idea! Those crazy Victorians!

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousApril 1, 2012 at 5:01 PM

      Crystal, by the way. I'll work on establishing my identity.

      Delete
    2. e.a.s. demersApril 1, 2012 at 5:13 PM

      LOL... hiya, Crystal... and yes, Victorians were just a bit to the left of sane :-)

      Delete
  2. Karen Jones GowenApril 1, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    All I know about arsenic I learned from reading Agatha Christie novels lol. This was very interesting! Great way to start the challenge!

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    Replies
    1. e.a.s. demersApril 1, 2012 at 9:16 PM

      Ah, I cut my teeth on Agatha Christie novels growing up... she was a master, indeed!!! :-D

      Delete
  3. ShawnTe PierceApril 1, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    The price for beauty they paid. No wonder people still go to extremes to have pretty things and become pretty.

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    Replies
    1. e.a.s. demersApril 1, 2012 at 9:17 PM

      I know... I will never understand why people are so willing to risk their lives for the sake of vanity, but, to each his own, I guess...

      Delete
  4. Joe RichardsonApril 2, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    What a smashing first entry! I loved learning the history of arsenic. As always, you chose the perfect images to illustrate.

    Did you pen the poem as well? It's inspired. I think it would play well on a label much like the one you've shown, stuck to a faux bottle of the stuff.

    Really look forward to following you through the alphabet, e.a.s. You were a highlight of my A/Z last year!

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    Replies
    1. e.a.s. demersApril 2, 2012 at 10:55 AM

      *grins* Thanks for that :-)

      Yep, the poem is mine... April's also National Poetry Month, so I thought, what goes better with poison than poetry? (but, maybe that's just my twisted mind, lol)

      Delete
  5. PearlApril 2, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    Lovely combination of facts, pics, and your poem.

    The poem really flowed for me.

    Pearl

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  6. @amiApril 2, 2012 at 10:50 PM

    I love that you're doing poetry too. I considered that, but decided one challenge was enough for now.

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    Replies
    1. e.a.s. demersApril 2, 2012 at 11:48 PM

      Yeah, I'm a bit of a masochist when it comes to challenges--- we'll see if I can make it the whole month with the poetry :-)

      Delete
  7. Mary AalgaardApril 5, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    Oooo. That IS Edgar Allen Poe-ish, the poem,that is. Did they know it was poisonous? I watched a community theatre production of "Arsenic and Old Lace" this past weekend. Those old gals loved to put the aging gentlemen out of their misery.

    Play off the Page

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    Replies
    1. e.a.s. demersApril 5, 2012 at 5:46 PM

      Thanks! And, no, they didn't realize it was poisonous and once they did, all kinds of advertisements popped up with "Arsenic-free" wallpapers and paints, lol...

      Delete

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