sundown

it's the sundown
syndrome
that hits the aged when
incarcerated
in their rooms attached
to tubes
and needles, monitors
and gizmos
all beeping and blinking
at once, each
meant to keep them alive
for another day,
another night.
they go delusional. they
make up stories, make
up lies.
invent entire tales of
mystery and suspense.
it's a lot like real life,
but with jello
and oatmeal
in the morning, sandwiches
cut in half
with plastic knives.