WCBA Vol II: Small Town USA

VOLUME II: Small Town USA

I drove 2500 miles in 13 DAYs through kansas, nebraska, wyoming, and idaho,
visiting over 50 small towns along the way.

"We Could Be Anywhere, Volume II," is a 40-piece exploration that tells of the people and communities

that I met on my adventures traveling through small town usa.

on volume I, I wrote: "We could be anywhere is a body of work that represents us all,
no matter where we come from, what we believe in, or how we choose to define ourselves.

the works are not unique only to the characters and scenes through which these
stories were born from, but rather, to All of us."

In Volume II, I aim to honor the very mission this project began with,

this time, through the tales of the people and places that make-up small town usA.

Back to 'We Could Be Anywhere'

Closing Up The Store I

His father’s age is starting to show, and you can see it in his walk.
But you can’t feel it in his heart, he’s been at the shop doing his part.
Billy told me that I caught them right in time, as next week, dad would be closing up the store.
And after I sifted through every aisle, Billy rang me up, and took me for a tour.
It started off on Paola, and turned into a talk on Small Town USA.
But all throughout, Billy asked and learned about me,
Curious about my perspective, and why I really came.
It's not that Billy wasn’t open to talking, he just was as curious as I was, too,
About who I was, about my life, and about what I was doing in Paola, Kansas from New Jersey before noon.
He seemed to be more concerned, with making sure that I was ready for my time,
Traveling across Small Town USA on my own, exploring towns and meeting people who don’t know that I’m coming by.
I was lucky to have met Billy, so early on in;
Paola was but my second stop, on the first day of the trip.

Closing Up The Store II

When we finished our walk around the Paola Square, we came by the store for some shade.
Before he’d get back to work, he wanted a smoke, and we shared one final conversation.
The more time we spent together, the more that Billy opened up with me.
I kept returning to how the store would be closing, and what it all really means.
For Billy, for his family, and for the community in Paola, too,
But he told me that I was thinking far too much— change is just something you get to.
He continued on with the lessons, weaving in history so subtly in between,
But I received it all so specifically, as Billy continued to prepare me for all that I’d see.
While we were talking, down the alleyway, a neighbor went back-and-forth, loading up his truck;
The perfect backdrop, for all that Billy and I had come to discuss.
There’s a lot to talk about, but out there, people rarely complain,
Billy taught me that it’s more about moving forward and making it through the day.

A Guest Is A Guest

As the sun starts to set, is the day really done?
Perhaps, maybe for most, but for others, it’s just begun.
I caught him working in town, preparing for the fair that was soon to come.
When I offered to lend him a hand, he let out a chuckle, and asked where I was from.
I was still learning the Kansas way, but I knew the folks were a proud bunch.
He welcomed me in and wished me well— but told me that nobody within a few hundred miles would take up my offer,
“A guest is a guest, especially if they’re willing to help.”
A lesson I’d encounter again and again, that I had to grow to respect.

Show Don't Tell I

(Shared Story)
It was my first time visiting a County Seat Town,
Which serves so many more, than the 800 or so who live around.
Shops line down Broadway, cars flow in and out without stop,
And right before the towering courthouse: the gas station and auto repair shop.
I was peering into the garage, when he saw, and glanced back at me,
I took a few more steps, walked in, and asked if I could see.
I introduced myself and told him, what had brought me to their town,
With a smile, he invited me in, and then I followed him back around.
Tracing the path of the single tire, he wheeled atop the shop floor,
To meet the boss, to greet the crew, to see the workshop, and talk some more.
Right from the start, they made it clear that I was welcome to stay,
But a lot of my questions went unanswered, as they continued to work away.
In my journey so far, that balance at times ensued:
Some people open up their hearts, while others show you who they are, by doing what they do.

Show Don't Tell II

Here To Stay

The floods did a number on Elmdale, but the rain couldn’t wash the town away.
Not just once, but twice, and even when the levy broke, some still chose to stay.
It wasn’t without a fight, as FEMA told residents that the town wouldn’t sustain,
And then it bought up a few houses there, right next to neighbors who remained.
Today Elmdale has a population, less than half of from when it was founded,
And depending on who you ask, they’re either disappointed or thrilled about it;
Some want to see more growth and change, while others are grateful to see the town hang on and survive.
I learned it all from Branden, who’s stayed rooted in Elmdale through trying times.
He took me for a tour, and after our walk, he brought me into his workshop before I left town.
I got to see the thriving business he’s built for himself— but he reminded me that everything he does, is for his family that he’s looking after.
In Elmdale, it’s at times hard to ignore, as tribulations of the past still permeate today,
But thirty-nine people call the town home, and they’ll continue to fight for their place.

From Afar

Drivers walked over caked in dust after racing their laps,
Parents lined up to shake his hand one by one.
Kids whispered and pointed, while they peered from afar,
I was the only one who didn’t know who this man was.

From the stands, to the dirt-turns, to front and center at the track,
It didn’t matter where he went to spend a moment to watch.
Once he was spotted from the crowd, a queue would form at his back,
All that I saw was exactly who this man was.

The Cuba Pitstop

I was coming in just as he was heading out, and I could see that he was in a rush.
I drove a few hours in the same pouring rain, except I had a roof on my car.
I had a feeling we were on similar Small Town adventures, and he confirmed that I was right.
He said he wasn’t conducting interviews, though, and I laughed, and said neither was I.
A hard sell to him, as the camera swayed from the strap around my neck;
I knew better than to pry too much as he packed up, so I asked for advice instead,
About if he had any thoughts, for my next days on the road,
As I’d be crossing into Nebraska, then Wyoming and Idaho.
He suggested that I stop to explore towns that I didn’t plan to, just because I saw the signs,
To visit a bar around noon whenever I can, to see the different folks who might be passing by.
Not everyone will open-up to a stranger on a whim, but nearly everyone will share a talk;
He started to realize that he was now doing the same with me, and that’s when his engine revved and kicked up.
With an amused grin and a laugh, it was time we said our goodbyes.
I made it for the Cuba Cash Store, and he continued on with his ride.