Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century

by Jessica Bruder

Old beat-up high-top van, Like livin’ in a large tin can. No rent, no rules, no man, I ain’t tied to no plot of land. I’ve got cool forests for summer fun, Winterin’ in the desert sun. I’m an old gypsy soul with new goals, Queen of the Road! My friends think I’m insane, But for me their life is way too tame. If sometimes I sing the blues, Small price for the life I choose. I’ve found all space is hallowed ground, If we will but look around In our sacred search for the New Earth. Queens of the Road! I know every back road in five western states. If it’s a blue highway I don’t hesitate. I learn every strange history of each little town. I may get there slowly but I get around, in my . . . Gas-guzzling high-top Ford I’m sometimes scared, but never bored, Because I’ve finally cut the cord Unlike society’s consumer hordes. I’ve got a large feline to keep me sane, Lovely Layla is her name, Not really wild, but not too tame Queens of the Road!