In Transition

Summary

A man on the run from the law after a bank robbery gone wrong seeks refuge in a motel in Iowa, contemplating his next move to evade capture and potentially start a new life in Canada.

Abstract

The narrative poem "In Transition" tells the story of a fugitive who has stolen $40,500 from a bank robbery in northern Florida, where a manager and security guard were killed. The protagonist, who has betrayed his accomplice Johnny to the police, is hiding in a motel in Waterloo, Iowa, where he reflects on his actions and plans to flee to Edmonton, Alberta, to wait out the manhunt. He reveals his disdain for Johnny's treatment of Maggie and his intention to find a woman in Canada to financially support him until he can return to warmer climates in the spring. The poem captures the man's internal conflict, his regret over the robbery's outcome, and his desire for a fresh start away from the consequences of his and Johnny's actions.

Opinions

The protagonist has a low opinion of Johnny, describing him as impulsive and violent, and holds him responsible for the robbery's escalation into murder.
He shows a degree of remorse for the robbery and the loss of life, particularly as it has led to his current predicament.
The protagonist is strategic and calculating, demonstrated by his decision to inform on Johnny and his choice to hide in a location where his former friends would not expect him to go.
He harbors some misogynistic views, planning to exploit an "ugly woman" for her money in exchange for companionship.
The protagonist romanticizes the idea of starting over, despite his previous actions suggesting a pattern of criminal behavior and poor decision-making.
There is a sense of resignation and weariness in his reflections, indicating that he is tired of running and longs for a time when he can stop looking over his shoulder.

A Narrative Poem

Cold. Eleven below zero. I sit in a motel room in Waterloo, Iowa. I figure I have about a twenty-four-hour lead over my former friends. They woke this morning and found me gone. And the money as well. Forty thousand five hundred dollars to be exact. Minus ninety for the motel room and a few dollars for snacks and gas along the way.

We robbed a bank in northern Florida three days ago. Killed the manager and a security guard. Johnny did I should say. But we’ll all be blamed. Probably get the electric chair. Johnny has never been one to control himself. Always going off the deep end and doing something stupid. We are all over the news in northern Florida. Haven’t made it to Iowa yet. TV stations are broadcasting Johnny’s picture everywhere. Seems he was stupid enough to take off his mask after he shot the manager in the head.

I knew I had to leave my buddies behind if I was going to come out of this thing alive. I came north because I knew they would never think to look for me up here. They probably think I’m heading for Mexico or one of the islands. They know how I would always complain about cold weather. Swearing that I would never live in a place with snow.

When I hit Nashville, I called the Jacksonville pigs and ratted out Johnny. I’ve always hated the way he treated Maggie. If she had been my girl, I would have treated her like a queen. Would have held her in my arms and kissed her sweet lips.

My goal is to make it to Edmonton, Alberta and hide out until this whole robbery bit blows over. I once had an uncle who lived up there. Said it was cold enough in the wintertime to freeze the hair off your ass. I figure I will find me an ugly woman to shack up with. Live off her money and give her the love and attention she craves.

Come spring I’ll head back south. Maybe California or New Mexico. Man, it is cold outside. Eleven below. And they say it’s colder in Canada. I wish I was back in Florida drinking beer. And I would be if it wasn’t for Johnny and his stupidity. I think I’ll sleep awhile longer before I hit the road.

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