Kansas

"I"m going to Wichita, far from this Opera forevermore. I'm gonna work the straw, make the sweat drip out of every pore" - Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes

Rolling hills is such a cliche, yet there are no other words for the particular ordinary beauty of those prairies. 

Wind and magic breath the only life into them.

Small town toughness hiding joy from the hard wind of earning a living.

I'm in Wichita and the sky bleeds gray while the people smile, wondering why I'm here.

Reviews

[Kellyrose]

I love your line - the sky bleeds gray while the people smile, grey days are some of my best days :)

[Mark]

Thank you and it warms my heart that someone thinks cloudy is good! :)

[Lydia Shutter]

"the sky bleeds gray while the people smile" There are people in many parts of the U.S. that find reasons to be happy no matter how gray the sky might seem. They have lived in their towns forever and never intend to leave them. They are happy there....their brand of happiness. Working hard for a living is the only way they know and they are wary of outsiders. You have captured this so well with your words. Lydi**

[Mark]

Yes Lydia, I grew up with people like that in towns smaller than Witchita. :) thank you for reading, and commenting.

[paddy d daly]

sounds like a place I could spend some time in, you describe so well,,,,, nice one

[Mark]

It was a movie set for small town America. Thanks :)

[poetdoug]

Yes, Kansas is my wife's Birthplace and we lived in Wichita for several years.
It is exactly as you describe it. Great job my friend

[Mark]

Thank you for reading and glad you can relate. :)

[s y e]

Different structure from what I've read recently, it works and I love it though. I want to travel when I'm older!

[Mark]

DO it! Everyone should do some travelling at some point in their life.

[Baby Ricochet]

Seven Nation Army's a great song. I've never been to Kansas. It's gotta be a thrill a f*****g minute

[Mark]

LOL ya, gotta pace yourself or you might overload :P

[Mockingbird]

great first impression. you're lucky to be able to travel.

[Mark]

I am lucky. :) Thanks for reading

[Coyote Poetry]

I like the Western States. Always a spirit of hope and laughter. The description took me to good places and people. I like the closing line a lot. Real truth in those words. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Mark]

Thank you for reading my friend.

[icelandicblue]

They smile because:

And the feeling coming from my bones
Says find a home

Maybe they're hoping you'll stay, they see in your eyes that you understand. It's a lovely tribute.

[Mark]

Thank you dear lady :) I don't think I could stay here long though. I can put up with all kinds of climates, but wind is particularly annoying.