Laces by Morty Diamond

They took my shoelaces first
Thinking I could do myself harm
Then they took my clothes
And told me I could have my hoodie
But they would have to take the drawstring out

Claire sits by herself and blows ink she has dropped
On a bright white sheet of paper
The ink goes haywire and splashes the paper to its edge
“I’m making a card, for my nephew.” She says
Her eyes blink furiously and her nose twitches
I know, because she told me, she is in here
For severe depression.
“I have a cat.” She told me. “He keeps me company.”
I nod to her yes
“The neighbors have him now.”
I nod yes

They did not give me more than a sheet and a mattress cover
“This is just in case you wet on the bed.”
But I don’t! I just want a blanket!
“I can give you two mattress covers then”

I see Mr. Hernandez – he is walking the corridor again
He does everyday, as much as they let him
Until they scream “Mr. Hernandez! Will you please stop
walking now and go to sleep!”
He does not talk, he is drooling on his slippers.

They told me I would be leaving in one or two more days.
I can have my old life back if I want it. And it’s a good thing
my father has flown from Los Angeles to see me. This makes the chances
of leaving that much better. I sit in my room, cold, quiet
waiting for the medicine to take hold.