Failbetter.com | Jonah Winter

Jonah Winter's
poetry has appeared in numerous publications, and was awarded the Cohen Award by Ploughshares. More recently, he received a Pushcart Prize in poetry.

He is also an author of several childrens' books, including Once Upon a Time in Chicago, Beisbol, and Fair Ball!

Texan

Jonah Winter

I am a Texan
made in Texas
born in Texas
fed on Texas vegetables
and beef.

I will always be
a Texan.

Whenever I speak
I arrive in Texas.

Whenever I fall silent
I depart from Texas.

Texas
is how I look at things.

When you come towards me
you come towards Texas.

And Texas is not
just a way of tipping back a beer bottle.

Texas is whatever happens
after the bottle is empty.

Also by Jonah Winter:

Excerpt from Wallace Stevens' Diary

Excerpt from Wallace Stevens' Diary, Part II

The House of Poetry

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