The States You’re In
A tour of US statesIs it just accidental
these states are parental?
Ask your MA and your PA.
Noncommittal,
though not in the middle:
no ifs, ands, OR.
Some will surmise
a big surprise:
gosh, OH!
Is there a doubt
that you are out,
or are you IN?
It’s not parodic
one state’s melodic:
sing sol, sing LA.
I’m your good pal.
Just call me AL.
I’m nice, I try:
stop by, say HI.
My river’s slow.
I’m good old MO.
Self-centered, you’ll see:
I’m all about ME.
these states are parental?
Ask your MA and your PA.
Noncommittal,
though not in the middle:
no ifs, ands, OR.
Some will surmise
a big surprise:
gosh, OH!
Is there a doubt
that you are out,
or are you IN?
It’s not parodic
one state’s melodic:
sing sol, sing LA.
I’m your good pal.
Just call me AL.
I’m nice, I try:
stop by, say HI.
My river’s slow.
I’m good old MO.
Self-centered, you’ll see:
I’m all about ME.
[These are US state postal abbreviations:
MA for Massachusetts, PA Pennsylvania, OR Oregon, OH Ohio, IN Indiana, LA Louisiana, AL Alabama, HI Hawaii, MO Missouri, and last but not least ME Maine]
This poem is copyright (©) Henry Stimpson 2026
About the Writer
Henry Stimpson
Henry’s funny and serious poems have appeared in many publications, including Poet Lore, Rolling Stone, Delmarva Review, Third Wednesday, Atlanta Review, On the Seawall, One Art, The New Criterion (forthcoming) and Lighten Up Online. A Massachusetts, US, resident, he also writes nonfiction, roots for the Boston Celtics, and is a volunteer tutor for people learning English.
