The Three Christs of Ypsilanti - Milton Rokeach [88]
Joseph wants to tear up the paper they have taken down. He asks Leon if he can tear it up, and Leon gives his permission. Joseph tears up the paper. Later we ask why he did this. “I’ve been tearing up paper right along,” Joseph replies. “I’m guilty of everything in the world—everything a man can do in the world I’m guilty of! And I don’t care. Just tore up the paper that was greasy. I’m not guilty of anything. I’m just in a mental hospital. You feel guilty but you’re not.”
When I ask how they are progressing with the float, Leon explains his plans and says he is about ready to make the sketch, but, he adds, Joseph had become impatient and started putting in the buildings without measuring. This has not worked to Leon’s satisfaction. I then ask if they can co-operate using a new sheet of paper. They agree to try.
In the course of gathering the material for the float, Leon uses the telephone. He speaks into it with some wonderment, and says afterwards that it was the first time in five years he had talked on a telephone.
June 13. Leon talks about his cosmic book, which is nearing completion; he says he needs one more blessing to finish it. Joseph says he doesn’t think that people will believe in Leon’s book. “People don’t believe in unfacts.” Leon replies that Joseph’s foster father is a barracuda, and Joseph in turn retorts: “Why pay to see a comedy when we have a comedy right here?”
June 16. I ask Joseph if Leon is ready for dismissal. He replies that Dung could get a job on the outside, that the last couple of weeks he’s been much better than he was. “You gave him an occupation and that makes him feel better.”
It is clear that Leon and Joseph are getting along better now, even though they do not really want to work together on the Flora and Fauna Commission. And, with all his apprehensions about the success of the Flora and Fauna Commission and the float, Joseph is far more reality-oriented than he has ever been before.
Today he sends a letter to Dr. Yoder.
Dear Dr. Yoder:
I have just been the recipient of a letter from you informing me, as it were, of the fine work I have performed for the commission.
Yes, I have done my very best for the commission.
I want and wish to thank you for the fine letter, which you have forwarded to me, giving me, as it were, recognition for the fine work which I have effected!!
Yours very truly,
Joseph Cassel
June 23. A letter arrives from Dr. Yoder, addressed to Clyde Benson, Joseph Cassel, and Leon Dung,[2] reminding them about the approaching carnival on June 27. Leon answers immediately, apologizing for not answering sooner, describing the various trees, flowers, and birds they have discovered in their explorations, and discussing his progress in taking cosmic pictures. He ends the letter by politely pointing out that the first two initials of his name are R. I.
June 26. Leon spends the whole day in the little sitting room, working on the wall mural. It is a highly detailed drawing of A building, with every brick in place, every window, every door drawn to scale.
June 27. Carnival Day. By the middle of the warm, sunny afternoon, hundreds of people—patients, doctors, nurses, aides, other hospital personnel, and visitors—have gathered on the main street that runs through the hospital grounds, to listen to the band and to watch the parade go by. Gaily costumed patients, men and women, push gaily decorated hospital beds on wheels down the street. The floats depict various themes, mostly simple ones inspired by popular television programs—Have Gun, Will Travel; Wagon Train; I Love Lucy; Gillette Cavalcade of Sports. In this last, two prize-fighters, dressed in shorts and wearing gloves, box with each other down the street, inside a ring moved slowly along by four patients, each of whom holds up a corner. These floats are the result of a lot of hard