In Iowa, They Say That No One Dies


In Iowa, they say that no one dies

Until the World Series ends.

Is that a fact?

Well, not exactly.

It’s just a tendency.

The stubborn patient lies


Confined in crisp white sheets,  

Condemned to watch the high TV,

Dosing, snoring.

It’s terminally boring.

It’s plain to see

The umpire cheats.


Pop flies!

The Yankees win again.

That’s all.

The patient turns his face toward the wall.

It’s ten past ten,

He sighs.


Wayne Danielson

September 9, 2004

Austin, Texas


In Iowa, they say that no one dies


In Iowa, they say that no one dies

Until the World Series ends.

Is that a fact?

Well, not exactly.

It’s just a tendency.

The stubborn patient lies


Confined in crisp white sheets,  

Condemned to watch the high TV,

Dosing, snoring.

It’s terminally boring.

It’s plain to see

The umpire cheats.


Pop flies!

The Yankees win again.

That’s all.

The patient turns his face toward the wall.

It’s ten past ten,

He sighs.


Wayne Danielson

September 9, 2004

Austin, Texas