A middle-aged man lives in B, Indiana, a small rural farm town that is in economic decline. A poet, the man describes details of life in B, such as his elderly friend Mrs. Desmond, who is terrified of dying, and his cat Mr. Tick. The man mourns his failed relationship with an unknown woman. He also describes his life growing up in the Dakotas, a happy childhood which he sees as a lie. The man views the town and its inhabitants as isolated and dreary.