Dear Iowa
Poetic Notes to Our Neighboring State:
Dear Iowa
from Alice Jane-Marie Massa
Iowa, Iowa–
land so rich with politicians!
Do they number as many as
ears of corn in an Iowa field?
Yet, who is listening–
really listening?
Who is the translator for this language
we call rhetoric–
or do we call it lies?
Do we call it expediency?
Which politician is speaking
the language of leadership
(for which a translator is not needed)?
Over there–in that Field of Dreamers–
what is being auctioned?
Who’ll give me one?
Give me two?
Give me three…
words of promises,
words of hope,
winks from a stone face in the mountain?
Snowflakes falling,
covered bridges trying to bridge the gaps,
reporters calling,
reporters crawling all over the place,
serving an alphabet soup of major and minor networks,
nestle in the unexpected winner
of being the first state of the winter
to vote.
Despite all the mazes,
the eventual political malaise,
the microphone haze,
what a season!
This fifth season of the quadrennial
empowers 99 counties of Iowa.
But, does this fifth season
enlighten the mindful minds?
I hope.
What a county!
What a state!
What a country!
Forty-nine states are watching you,
Iowa. Iowa,
what will you do,
what will you do?
Vote wisely–
very wisely.
Then, smile for the camera;
sing “God Bless America,”
and pass the patriotic spotlight
to New Hampshire.
With best wishes to all
who have the future of our country in your hands and minds,
Alice and Zoe
January 27, 2016, Wednesday
alice13wordwalk 
Clever! I too hope that our fellow Midwesterners are wise in their choices.
I love the way your lines fall smoothly from my lips.(I just read your piece aloud to Jack). Of course I also
really enjoy the image the covered bridge reference brings to mind. Thanks for sharing.
P.S. I also must admit that I will be happy when all of the campaigning is over!
Hi, Fran–Thanks so much for your comment! I am delighted to hear when someone reads a piece of mine aloud. To know that you can smoothly and easily read the poetic lines is very satisfying to me. A friend told me that her mother read my “Peace” poem before their holiday dinner. Also, relatives in Oregon read another one of my holiday memoirs at their Christmas gathering. Now, to hear of your reading my poem aloud is such a gift to me. With many thanks, Alice
Your creative poem is food for thought for both politicians and voters, Alice. Hopefully, all will be inspired by your words to make sincere and wise choices for our wonderful country!
Love, Mary
How interesting! I look forward to another version in a few months. Thanks, Alice!