ONE SOUTH ANNEX

i met a girl in the madhouse once
she never slept
she never shut up
but she was funny

she sold cigarettes for a dollar
and never got caught smoking
while the rest of us did.

we played spades
and she taught us
how to play mah-jongg
she had her parents buy
white castle for the whole ward.

she had tantrums
she'd get in trouble
security would come
and restrain her
then she got the harpoon
and put in that room

she ordered five course meals for us
did our laundry
and hoarded treats for us

then they let her go.

i forget her name now
but i'll never forget
the fun i had
 committed
that time.

Reviews

[Hatchling]

I like this!!!! Keep up the good work

[just is]

Oh wow I enjoyed this write ,
love the 2nd stanza the most.
Awesome write!

[Rikkevi Rue]

perhaps those who convey the "fringes" are the least in need...seen the other side of it myself, so refreshing to get a view of one who CAN be optimistic! Your expression is seemingly superficial and light but spirals into a depth that shakes roots. The inimitable resilience of the spirit uplifts...you draw us into a place our minds tell us is hell, and show that there is even light in the darkest places. Brava Ma Cherie!

[Igor G. Balatsky]

i've recalled 'Ward No. 6' by Chekhov. it's time to reread it now. this world is a crazy place, and yet, if we are lucky enough, we might meet an angel here. your story is neither depressive nor desperate. quite the contrary, it gives hope.

[theludus]

i like this, it's like she was full on, that's what made her memorable, so that last line is a risky one, but a rewarding and richly rewarding one, imo. it's a bit sad this one when you look at it too, like to the life, or in the system, she was was lost and somehow you. or one of those, and both of those. full of nuance, closing lines are killers.

[Graggz]

im inspired