In this country
the sign outlives America.
All you have to do
is look at Goldfield, Nevada.
When the gold ran out,
everybody just walked off,
the gamblers and the whores first,
the owners next, then
the miners and the preacher,
but the sign still stands

THE GREATEST MINING CAMP THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN

Yes sir, Goldfield, Nevada,
population: one
abandoned company office,
one desk,
three paper clips,
two wire trays marked
Incoming and Outgoing ,
and one desk calendar
face-up on the guilty date,
all in the middle of nowhere.

You remember the insignia of Satchmo,
" Man, it's all in fun " ?
Well, this was as straight-faced
as a mule-head on a pole.
You come on this thing at night
when you're not expecting it
and I guarantee you won't touch another drop.

All this has been photographed now
for a historical society
including one wall still standing
of The American Pool Room.
The windows are boarded up,
the door leans
but the sign outside is still
in perfect shape: COCA COLA