one more day in the asylum

bouncing slowly over the land
eyes distorted a grain of sand
once a pupil taught to learn
caught by a ruler out of turn

running from the destination
lost inside procrastination
every day the teachers churn out
calculations meant to birth doubt

they hang their shingles
collect their pay
their money mingles
yours goes away
they break your teeth
because they may
you sleep beneath
their crap buffet

you speak just what
you’re told to say
they want to hear
it’s all ok
just to live here
for one more day

Robert Filos is an author of poetry and short stories that combine beauty and wit while highlighting social justice issues. Published worldwide his poetry received over 40,000 views in 2017. Born and raised in The Bronx, he now resides in the South Carolina Low-country with his wife and children. He can be reached at rfilos63@gmail.com. Read other articles by Robert.