Navel of the Nation,
belly of all bountiful,
very center of well being
and level-headed stability
for the country's soul.

Wealthy above most
upon the earth,
but masked by
colonization of financial centers
that ever seek you
from the coasts
of lakes and seas.

From the days of youth
we knew you,
the golden grain harvest
of mid-summer abundance,
your bronze youths
and fire cheeked maidens,
your lean-backed
farmers and ranchers,
the wisdoms of the matrons.
You call us back
to your fields,
grass plains
and forests.

Your sister states,
swim the same lake
of overflowing abundance,
the Dakotas and Nebraska,
Oklahoma, Colorado and Texas,
Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota,
and even fair Illinois,
plus who forgets Indiana.

But for those who perceive,
you remain the crown jewel
of the American center,
Kansas forevermore.

Copyright 2008, Jerry W. Engler