Then I woke up <br />in a strange place <br />in bed wearing pyjamas <br />get up! get up! <br />a strange nurse’s voice droned <br />so I got up <br />looked for my glasses – <br />but there was none <br />I couldn’t see <br />where I was… <br /> <br />You the new patient <br />get up, get dressed <br />what is you name – <br />I got up, with nothing to wear <br />no ID, no clothes <br />just I alone being there <br />there’s a pauper’s room <br />with second-hand clothes <br />go get something to wear <br />I found an old dress <br />to cover my nakedness… <br />and I still couldn’t see… <br /> <br />Where am I? – I enquired <br />why am I here – and how did I arrive? <br />when did I come <br />and what shall I do? <br /> <br />– You were delirious… <br />you are in a secure mental institution <br />you are a patient <br />in mental confusion <br />without ID or background <br />no luggage or clothes, no handbag or shoes <br />and I can’t see, I told them <br />they just shrugged <br />we just work here – it’s not our job <br />to make people see – besides <br />why are you blind? <br /> <br />Now sit down, eat your food <br />plastic fork, knife and plate <br />and take these pills – all of them <br />and if I won’t? – ‘cause <br />I shan’t, I boldly said <br />and was neatly met <br />with a kind fist in the face <br />– that’s what we do <br />when you misbehave! <br />– nurse declared satisfied <br />that I understood her intent <br />and I ate and swallowed and <br />blindly stared… and went to bed…<br /><br />Margaret Alice<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/first-day-in-the-ward/
