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| Polish Cow, 2012 |
But before I get to the Polish Cows, let me explain as to how I came to know about Poland in the first place. I'm chatting with a friend a few months back who begins telling a story of someone she once knew - from Poland, Louisiana. Her mannerisms and laughter indicate that the story is a humorous one, but I am unaware of the particulars, as I've stopped listening and my mouth is hanging open in disbelief. All I could think to say was..."There's a POLAND in Louisiana????" After all, I had been on tour since July and even passed near Poland, unaware of its existence.
It was a dark and stormy day, when I set out to see Poland for myself. Not quite Mid-March, yet the ides were near.
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| The Ides of March photos were taken at a cemetary in (or near) Effie, Louisiana. Stopped to take photos and get directions. |
Poland proved itself to be very hard to find - like it didn't want to be found at all. The only acknowledgement of its actuality on Google Maps was the location of Poland Jr High School.
I had, as usual, gotten off track, thank you Google, and ended up on the wrong side of the Red River. I was told by the nice gentleman I met at the cemetary in Effie to "Get back on 1, pass through Echo, and you will see the sign to Poland." When I found the sign, I turned right, just as the arrow pointed, and drove.
I saw no other sign for the infamous school, but I did start to doubt my geography...
Finally, I saw signs of life.
Yes, cows. Cows are a plenty in Poland, Louisiana. I ran into quite a few.
Just when I was content with the cows being my only sign of Poland - the Fire Station appeared.
And then the Baptist Church.
And there, hidden amongst the trees, so often noted when Poland is mentioned, was the school.
Pleased that I had found evidence of civilization (outside of the cows, of course), I left the rural countryside and headed up back up the road towards Highway 1, where I would make my way to whereever the world leads next.
I really enjoyed the landscape as I cruised about, and I can appreciate, and relate, to a town not wanting to be found. Sometimes we need to just get away...
all content (c) Natasha Sanchez
