New Hampshire, A Poem; with Notes and Grace Notes

A wandering narrator stitches together a series of vivid encounters—southerners, Arkansans, Californians, and fellow poets—each offering a witty, off‑beat snapshot of life and attitudes toward work, trade, and the landscape. Through a rhythm that feels part conversation, part lyrical riff, the poem paints New Hampshire as a mosaic of stubborn pride, quiet histories, and quirky ambition, all while the speaker’s own voice drifts between satire and sincere curiosity.

Interspersed with thoughtful notes and delicate woodcut illustrations, the work balances playful observation with deeper reflections on regional identity, the pull of commerce, and the lingering echo of the state’s early settlers. Listeners will find a rich tapestry of characters and ideas that feels both rooted in place and universally resonant, inviting you to linger on each line and consider what makes a community—and its stories—truly unforgettable.