The opening of Ted Kooser's "In Nebraska" is stunning, characterized by unique and wonderful metaphors that provide the most accurate descriptions of the mundane one can imagine. For example, describing clouds as "dump wads of fabric torn from the hem of the mountains" evokes a feeling of mystery and awe-inspired wonder, perhaps reminiscent of an younger period in all of our lives relating to when a cloud very well could have been that piece of fabric torn from a mountain.
The description of the land itself also paints a vivid visual image of Nebraska. From the "scratches" in the ground caused by wagons to the grass not being able to hide the wear and tear of the harsh weather that occurs in the area. The contrast between new and old is also presented in a way that is as jarring to us, the readers, as it is to Kooser. He writes of almost ghastly scenes, such as how "the young mother was buries and left in a grave marked only by the seat of a broken chair". This, compared to common things we see today such as twelve-story banks and insurance agents with briefcases, has a great effect.
I agree! I have never been to Nebraska, but from this piece, especially with the contrasts I can picture it pretty well.
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