The Volunteers Poem by PAUL COLVIN

Still and quiet, some sit down, listening to the news
So drugged up, can’t comprehend, can’t express their views
Deadened minds and vacant eyes, so blank they stare right through
Whatever their eyes are fixed upon, that could be me or you.
These patients volunteer for help and register their stay
But what they want and what they get, well who am I to say?
Compassion, understanding, is not prevalent in here
And laughter must be frowned upon, that’s something we don’t hear.
Who are they and what went wrong, what thoughts are in their head?
The drugs send some as high as kites yet others look half dead.
Sluggish moves, dragging feet as they shuffle ‘long the floor
Shrugging shoulders, shaking heads just like the day before.