The poem “Maineiacs” is a humorous and affectionate portrayal of life in rural Maine, and while it may not be “historically accurate” in a strict sense, it does reflect the cultural characteristics and social behaviors commonly associated with Mainers including the attitudes, traditions, and quirks that define Maine’s rural culture.
There’s a cultural stereotype that Mainers are a bit standoffish or slow to warm to outsiders, but at the same time, they are deeply self-sufficient and value their independence. Mainers are practical,
resourceful, and not particularly interested in outside opinions. This is historically accurate to the sense of rugged individualism that has defined the state’s culture.
Post-2020, rural areas like Maine experienced an influx of people moving away from urban centers, seeking a quieter, less crowded life during the pandemic, possibly drawn by Maine humor, combined with the genuine unique lifestyle, especially in the context of community values and resilience that became even more significant post-2020.

Maineiacs
Maineiacs—when we see a neighbor,
or even stranger, getting their mail,
we stop our truck in the middle of the road
without fail.
We can talk there with ‘em for an hour.
We’ll wave you by. Just smile and nod.
DON’T blow your horn, and don’t ask us why.
Most Mainers are friendly, though gruff,
we’ll lend a hand, whether you’re stuck in snow
or building a castle of sand.
And when we stop, like you should stop,
at a four-way sign,
we wave and nod if you actually stop,
we’ll say “Go, Ay, it’s fine!”
We will welcome strangers, even you,
as if we were old chaps
with our quirky ways, shotguns,
and our bear or lobster traps.
We drive our trucks to go fishing,
down muddy trails, with tires so big,
they could tow bull moose or whales.
Our state flower, though lovely, you won’t believe,
It’s a pine cone, I do declare,
not a petal, stem, or leaf!
Yes, in pine cones’ woody “petals”,
we see nature’s beauty as rare,
A symbol of strength through the harshness,
we always bear.

Like a lighthouse in the darkness for you,
we shine our light.
Like cold cough syrup, our spirit,
like Moxie bubbles with might.
Just embrace the Mainer culture,
the cold, the poverty, and the fun,
You’ll leave with stories,
though you might not like every single one.
So, if after this, you still want to visit
the great state of Maine,
You’ll find that we Maineiacs aren’t dangerous,
just lovingly insane.