concern had seemed close to paranoia
-amateur malcontents
--a temporary reprieve from responsibility

eyes tactfully averted
-humiliating and disagreeable
--futile and embarrassing enterprise

meaningless smile of the half-demented
-looked both ridiculous and endearing
--inviting his admiration

eyes were wide open
-worried at their confinement
--uncomprehending opal pools

walking vigorously towards sanity
-a fitting conclusion
--there was no knowing . . .