Mapping the Muse: A Bicentennial Look at Indiana Poetry

 “Mapping the Muse:  A Bicentennial Look at Indiana Poetry” is a project designed to celebrate Indiana’s 200th year by presenting a glimpse of poetry in Indiana.  The poems included run from every-day poets to university professors, high school students to senior poets in their 90s, and a collaborative poem by a 5th grade class from Perry County.  On page 85 you will find a poem from one of our local poets.

Starke County, USA

     Carol Grubbs (Starke County)

Once surrounded by Indians,

In the marshy, wet land,

Starke County was founded,

And today, we yet stand.

In the heart of Kankakee Valley,

Where many folks live,

There are forests and rivers,

With so much to give.

The towns aren't real large,

But have much hope in their view;

We struggle at times,

But many smaller towns do.

There are festivals and parades,

Special times of the year;

Many people do gather,

Coming from far and from near.

We are a county of tradition,

And a county with heart;

We stand as a whole,

And most do their part.

We have Libraries and churches,

And Restaurants and bars;

At night, not so crowded,

That we can't see the stars.

Many years have passed,

Since John Starke did arrive;

Little did he know then,

That his dream would survive.