A long Way From Okay (Poetry)

Okay’s a little town in Oklahoma
half a mile or so from Heartbreak Ridge
it’s relatively free from stress and trauma
Old Worry’s chilled and bottled in the fridge

It nestles in the shade of Brokeback Mountain
few people plan to stay there very long
small blessings grow but once they’re done with counting
the grass ain’t green enough so they move on

Nobody’s free from care but bets are even
there’s still a chance tomorrow will be fine
Okay’s okay and while it’s far from Heaven
things could be worse — it’s wise to take some time

Worse is someplace south of Cincinnati
ruined and unhealthy — mapped in pain
a gathering of hopeless and unhappy
the dying population half insane

The rich man may have property in Blissful
a million miles from Mediocreville
where real estate lies in the realm of wistful
the dreamer takes another rainbow pill

It’s a long way from Okay to Sleepy Hollow
a quiet life — a modest field to plough
maybe the wagon train will come tomorrow
if not then Okay’s bearable for now