Pocatello, Idaho

by Emily Hamm

Memorable?

Not likely.

Absolutely ordinary.

Nothing meaningful about it.

Passing by, accidentally getting stuck.

Accidents are mistakes.

Common.

Happens to everyone.

In this town,

With only a name worth mentioning,

A ridiculous name.

Poc

A

Tell

O

The common seems to be frequent.

Accidents are no longer by mistake.

Purpose,

Drives the town into a name.

Energy resides underneath the

Abnormal

Normal

Indecent

Town called

Poc

A

Tell

O

Luring,

Drawing the cars in close.

A submissive driver.

Happy to oblige.

A simple exit on the highway,

A wrong turn.

Right turn.

Just passing through.

How far will I make it?

Main St.

Captivating from the start.

Mountains in the distance.

Calling, Beckoning.

I am here.

Here I am.

An accidental purpose.

I will just turn around.

But where?

Locals observe the out of state plates

Hatefulness breeds in their eyes.

A smile on their face.

Vermont. Iowa. California.

A blaring horn behind me

But no one is there?

A knock on my window.

A townie invites me to observe the crude attractions of

Poc

A

Tell

O

The town seems to be growing bigger. And I grow smaller.

Smile Capital of America.

Of Earth.

I’m just another casualty.