The Three Christs of Ypsilanti Read Free Page B

for ventilation, looked out on the paved, tree-lined street that runs the length of the hospital grounds. Directly across the street one could see another brown-brick building which looked like the mirror image of D building.
    I suggested that we identify ourselves one by one, and to break the ice I introduced myself first. Next my research assistants—who were to be the three Christs’ constant companions from early morning until bedtime—offered their names. Then, turning to Joseph, I proposed that he introduce himself.
    Joseph was fifty-eight and had been hospitalized for almost two decades. Of medium height and build, bald, and with half his front teeth missing, he somehow gave the impression of impishness. Perhaps this was due to the fact that, along with his wide grin, one noticed his bulging shirt and pants pockets filled to overflowing with various and sundry belongings: eyeglasses, books, magazines, letters, large white rags trailing from his pockets (he used them for handkerchiefs), cigarette papers, tobacco, pens, pencils.
    â€œMy name is Joseph Cassel.”
    â€”
Joseph, is there anything else you want to tell us?
—
    â€œYes. I’m God.”
    Clyde introduced himself next. He was seventy and had beenhospitalized for seventeen years. Clyde was over six feet tall and, despite the fact that he was all but toothless, stated, whenever asked, that he was in excellent health—and he was. He spoke indistinctly, in a low, rumbling, resonant voice. He was very hard to understand.
    â€œMy name is Clyde Benson. That’s my name straight.”
    â€”
Do you have any other names?
—
    â€œWell, I have other names, but that’s my vital side and I made God five and Jesus six.”
    â€”
Does that mean you’re God?
—
    â€œI made God, yes. I made it seventy years old a year ago. Hell! I passed seventy years old.”
    Leon was the last to introduce himself. Of the three, he looked the most like Christ. He was thirty-eight and had been committed five years before. Tall, lean, of ascetic countenance and intensely earnest expression, he walked silently, erectly, and with great dignity, often holding his hands in front of him, one hand resting gently on the other, palms up. When sitting, he held himself upright in his chair and gazed intently ahead. In his white coat and white trousers, he was indeed an imposing figure. When he spoke, his words flowed clearly, unhesitatingly, and often eloquently. Leon denied his real name vigorously, referring to it as his “dupe” name, and refusing to co-operate or have anything to do with anyone who used it in addressing him. We all called him Rex.
    â€œSir,” Leon began, “it so happens that my birth certificate says that I am
Dr. Domino Dominorum et Rex Rexarum, Simplis Christianus Pueris Mentalis Doktor
. [This is all the Latin Leon knows: Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, Simple Christian Boy Psychiatrist.] It also states on my birth certificate that I am the reincarnation of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and I also salute, and I want to add this. I
do
salute the manliness in Jesus Christ also, because the vine is Jesus and the rock is Christ, pertaining to the penis and testicles; and it so happens that I was railroaded into this place because of prejudice and jealousy and duping that started before I was born, and that is the main issue why I am here. I want to bemyself. I do not consent to their misuse of the frequency of my life.”
    â€”
Who are “they” that you are talking about?
—
    â€œThose unsound individuals who practice the electronic imposition and duping. I am working for my redemption. And I am waiting patiently and peacefully, sir, because what has been promised to me I know is going to come true. I want to be myself; I don’t want this electronic imposition and duping to abuse me and misuse me, make a robot out of me. I don’t care for it.”
    â€”
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