There—
The morning train alarms.
This is where the sun rises
And the cold air slaps
Like an elephant's trunk.
Shirts button to the neck.
Coat collars turn up.
So go forth—
Feel the Appalachians rolling massage;
Cleanse in the cool waters of the Mississippi;
Stretch across the Great Plains;
Smooth out the blemishes on the Rockies;
Bathe in the Mojave sun;
Sink into the soft sands of the Pacific.
Here—
Change is more
Than a subway fare.
Shorts fall below the knees.
Flip-flops hang on the feet.
This is where the sun sets
And the earth shakes.
This is us
And we defy you
Like a stubborn mule.
5 comments:
I've been in Washington DC for a wedding since early Friday, hence no Thurs. or Fri. posts. This poem popped in my head this morning. It's raining here and it's time to go home.
Well it's raining here too. I like this general disdain for stuffy East Coastyness (?). I also like the elephant and mule references. Clever and remarkabley subtle.
You use the Americas beautifully in the second stanza, Brent. I also like the elitist sensibilities you offer for both coastal voices. They think the sun rises and sets by their whim. We mock there elitism, and in so doing, adopt our own. During my time in the east and the crowd I was adopted into, I was perceived and a foolish West Coast Bleeding Heart Liberal. Bah says I!!!
I hope you enjoyed your time in DC, bud. Was it for business or pleasure?
Pleasure sir. I was there for a wedding and I had never been. Really enjoyed the city. The entire place is a historical landmark and inspiring in that sense. Rode the Metro everywhere and wished we could have a similar system out here. Visited the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, the National Gallery, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Holocaust Museum. Tons more to do which definitely warrants another visit.
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