Ralph sighed and gazed at pebbles between his slippered feet. He was unusually lucid today. The sign says, “Mental health facility” but “It’s a madhouse here;” is what the residents say. The words sting.
Three: Four siblings, five cousins in grandma’s house. Madhouse!
Eight: Moody stepfather, temper control set on mad. Madhouse!
Nineteen: Off campus house with four college buddies. Madhouse!
Thirty-six: Brief tenure as cut-throat attorney – Madhouse!
Forty-eight: Stock broker. – Madhouse!
Fifty-two: Bankrupt, wife left, ulcer surgery, auto repossessed, phone ringing. Madhouse!
Sixty: Echoing in his ears, “It’s a madhouse here.”
Too lucid today; he regressed into silence.
************
Image: Pixabay
Sweet aroma 
though little detail and information, I can relate to every word. madhouse stuck in my mind.
Adayah ginn, Thank you for reading and commenting on this post. Indeed there are far too many people who can look back and see “madhouse” periods in their lives. Life abound with conflicts and trouble. I am fortunate to have been born into a stable Christian family and finding my peace in Jesus Christ. Even so, I have had troublesome times in relationships and health. Jesus has been my comfort. I pray for your peace.
Wow, very deep and kinda freaky. But I definitely understand the whole thing on “madhouse.” Just look at my life, it crazy. 😐😊
Life can be very sad and complicated for some folks. I was blessed by being born into a stable Christian family. Still have problems but they do not weight one down like they do to people who do not have hope in Christ. Elizbeth, do you have a blog.; I tried to find you, but couldn’t. If you do have, please send me a link so I can visit you. Blessings to you.