The Story of Madman Jim

Sticks and straws and kittens’ claws

And what does the madman do?

He scribbles his way through this crazy world

Where everyone thinks him a fool.

And the lights they burn and the planet turns

And everything’s crashing on down.

And what do we do but say the word?

His smile turns into a frown.

So he packs his bags and he moves out West

Where everyone’s nicer and clean.

They all smile and wave and say good day—

Whatever is it that they mean?

As he looks in the mirror and stares at his face

He wonders if this can be him.

For in all this time and in all this world

Was there ever a man named Jim?

Now he wonders and whiles and writhes on the floor

And everything’s caving on in.

Then he looks inside and he sees himself.

And that is the end of him.