Out of the Dust

This section summarizes Poem 79: “Heartsick,” Poem 80: “Skin,” Poem 81: “Regrets,” Poem 82: “Fire on the Rails,” Poem 83: “The Mail Train,” and Poem 84: “Migrants.”

Billie Jo’s thoughts wander from a vague desire for courting by Mad Dog to frustration with her father’s silence to a general restless feeling. She knows Ma would be able to calm her. The title of the poem, “Heartsick,” indicates Billie Jo’s continued grieving for the loss of Ma. In April, Billie Jo mentions that she sees raised spots on her father’s face and wonders with irritation why he will not go to the doctor, as his own father died of skin cancer. Arley and Vera ask Billie Jo how her hands are when they see her and she hides her hands so they will not see the scars. Billie Jo thinks about Mad Dog when they walk together after school. She knows she should “keep clear” of him (155), but she enjoys the company.

Conditions are so dry in April that fire spreads easily; the school and three boxcars catch fire. Damage is minimal to the school, but the boxcars are a total loss. No one speaks of fire directly to Billie Jo. Dust clogging the rails delays the train; when the late mail arrives, a letter from Aunt Ellis invites Billie Jo to live with her in Lubbock.