Morton in the Morning

Richard Nixon stood at the foot of my bed
when I woke this morning. His address.
“All patriotic Americans will sacrifice their children
during this trying time. KILL YOUR FAMILY!”
A ploy? Only a liberal would spin such
coy hatemongering in the home as a sheep. Whispers.
“We are watching you... We are watching…
We are watching you… We are…”
The old woman from childhood sits up from the floor
and turns to me, blank eyes and rotting flesh.
“You should have done as you were told
they are trying to poison you. Stop them.”
Lies. I know you are not real. Or I told myself
in therapy with you screaming “Liar!” at the psychiatrist.
“We are your friends… Trust us…
We are… Trust…”
Meds work some days, if the bottle is real.