Although the setting isn’t overtly specified in the poem, the first canto is implied to be taking place in “The Golden Shovel,” a pool hall in Chicago and the inspiration for Brooks’ original poem. However, the imagery could take place in any American city. The second canto’s reference to a “tent city” is also a North American phenomenon, limiting the poem to this particular continent. What is specified, however, are two moments in time: 1981 and 1991. During this pre-internet age, America faced a range of social, political, and health-related crises which are hinted at here. The poem presents an overall pessimistic and defeatist view of America at this time.