Rawlins, Wyoming: A Collection of Poems

Abstract

Rawlins, Wyoming consists of poems written in a five year period (from 2005-2010) about the people residing in the location. They are a reflection of my fixation with confessional, regional and historical poetry. Many of these poems were written for graduate workshops conducted by Lisa Lewis and Ai at Oklahoma State University. Rawlins, Wyoming--divided into three sections--focuses on the town itself, the population and land surrounding the area. This is a story of forgotten people and places where life hinges on the doors of a medium security prison, one of two major places of employment to its residents, where they can work as guards and teachers. The sections begin in childhood, transitioning into adulthood where we see the speakers reacting to addictions, the incarcerated, violence, sexism, regionalism and social class.