Thursday, April 09, 2009

The State of Indiana

The State of Indiana

What does Indiana have that I don't?
A pioneer period. Four Vice Presidents
And one President between the Civil War
And World War I. WWI. A Monogram?

Some pioneer I am. When I was a kid
I think I may have ended up in Indiana
Once. Or I might just have dreamed this
While spending a night in Arkansas.

What is the state of Indiana? Railroads
Led cow towns to the Ohio, then reached
Further. Collapsed. The weight of
Singer sewing machines. They call
Themselves Hoosiers? What the hell?

They call themselves home to Indiana.
Do you mind? They blush at sweetness;
I've been thinking this. I call myself
Off the case. I can understand collapse.

No. I give in too easily. I'll name the cat
Indiana. I believe you when you say
Some people drown cats. But I don't like it.
And this name doesn't really suit the cat.

Artoto, I don't think we're in Arkansas
Anymore. If this was ever a dream
It wasn't every boy's dream,
And it wasn't even all that interesting.

Emerson said, "These Hoosiers and Suckers
are really better than the snivelling opposition."
Know what he meant when he said it?
I don't. 1860 escapes me. I think

I smell wet cat. Therefore. There really
Isn't anything very funny about Arkansas.
Anymore than there's anything dreamlike
About Indiana. Just a big pain in the neck.

posted by Matthew @ 12:16 AM