free verse poem: i who have never known iowa

this land is hiding a piece of me

my pale thighs stuck to the hot leather passenger seat of my daddy’s white pick-up truck as i gazed upon iowa’s rolling hills for the very first time.

we jolted along gravel roads, full speed ahead, and i wanted nothing more than to fling open the rusty old door, tumble out, and run as far as i could get.

the land appeared infinite; my curious mind desperately wished to explore every inch.

we had hours before we would reach our destination: our new home, the manifestation of all of my parents’ dreams. still, i fought the desire to demand we stop then and there among the weeds.

i wanted — no, needed — to scream,

“we’re here, we’re here!”

my young mind saw no need to worry for time, my only wish was to soak in the sun and walk the vast green.

i knew then that there is no limit to the beauty god has painted upon this earth.

i know now that i need, more than ever, the chance to traverse these endless fields. to walk beneath the windmills, to brave the claustrophobia of corn coating hills rolling.

how could i ever wish to leave when i know this land is hiding a piece of me?

-from the prompt “wish” in a recent writing class

by Marvin Cone