The excerpt reflects a moment of deep introspection experienced by the narrator, set against the backdrop of a Holiday Inn pool in Texas. Here, surrounded by an atmosphere of emptiness and isolation, the narrator grapples with feelings of worthlessness. The midnight scene evokes a sense of desolation, hinting at the stark reality of life in Texas.
The mention of "Poor Texas" suggests a broader commentary on the state’s struggles, while the phrase "Excavated" emphasizes the idea of digging up or exposing deeper truths about both the place and the narrator's inner turmoil. This passage from Sam Shepard's "Motel Chronicles" captures both a physical setting and a psychological state, intertwining them to explore themes of alienation and existential angst.