As an American traveler I have
to remember not to get actionably mad
about the way things are around here.
Tomorrow I-ll be a thousand miles away
from the way it is around here. I will
keep my temper, I will not kill the dog
next door, nor will I kill the next-door wife,
both of whom are crazy and aggressive
and think they live at the center of culture
like everyone else in this college town.
This is because I-m leaving, I-m taking off
by car, by light plane, by jet, by taxicab,
for some place else a thousand miles away,
so I caution myself: control your rage,
even if it causes a slight heart attack.
Stay out of jail tonight before you leave,
and don-t get obstreperous in transit tomorrow
so as to stay out of jail on arrival tomorrow night.
Think: the new handcuffs are sharp inside
and meant to cut the wrists. You-re not too old
to be raped in their filthy overcrowded jails
and you-ll lose your glasses and false teeth.
How would you eat, study and be
a traveling lecturer if you got out alive and sane?
So remember to leave this place peacefully,
it-s only Asshole State University at Nowheresville,
and remember to get to the next place peacefully,
it-s only Nowhere State University at Assholesville
and you must travel from place to place for food and shelter.