In "The Tokyo-Montana Express," Richard Brautigan expresses a chaotic state of mind, comparing it to a cluttered junkyard filled with deteriorating objects. He vividly illustrates this disarray by depicting his thoughts as a massive pile of rusty tin cans and abandoned cars, symbolizing confusion and stagnation within his mental landscape.

This metaphor highlights a struggle with clarity and direction, revealing how overwhelming and cluttered thoughts can become. Brautigan's imagery conveys a sense of nostalgia for bygone days and a yearning for simplicity amidst the chaos of modern life, suggesting a deep existential reflection on the nature of his consciousness.