poem
after a lithograph by Katherine Drake: “Mentally ill patients dancing at a ball at Somerset County Asylum”
I want to get out of here! A little dancer Asked me why I didn't join the merry dance No, dear, If dogs eat dung Should I join in the fun?
But, oh! How the drum-beat pulsed my heart! And, with a glance, The fairest lady of them all Tugged at the soul of this bard
No, no, no! Nein! If clueless infants touched a gun Should I teach them How to fire off a blast?
Get me out of here! Somebody! Anybody! Ah, I see him, my dear Sergeant Death Masterfully – striding – purposefully – And I smile at him, happily Come and take me, my good sergeant, How I've waited For this blissful moment!