McLean asylum

what is,

what was this place,

the asylum

on the hill, taking in

so many

that we know.

through

song, or book, or

show.

they seemed so

bright,

so smart.

poetic.

what demon has got

to them

where they need

electro

shock treatments,

therapy

around the clock,

lobotomies,

and more?

three squares  day

and a tennis

court,

a place for the crazy

rich, no doubt,

not the poor.

the penniless are still on 

under bridges,

having conversations

with ghosts,

inventing lives

while

begging at the corner.