HOARDS OF BILLBOARDS

HOARDS OF BILLBOARDS

Roger A. Davis

In the old days, many were ‘Burma Shaves’
Plus the standard ‘Jesus Saves’
Barns got commercials also
Even to this day, you see a billboard silo

Many tell you what exits to take
Motels sometimes tell you the price at stake
Some DAYS INNs change electronically
From 85 to 58 during the week, you see

My favorites advertise with added time and temp
Then, there’s Goodyear and MetLife blimp
'You’d be home now if you lived here”
I think it’s for town folk who drink too much beer

There are states that restrict their use
Got to admit, pristine landscapes take the abuse
Yet, for many of us, they’re maps for fast food
And their vast numbers do not make us brood

Small towns will list their attraction
Hoping travelers do an off-interstate distraction
Historic sites, the usual lure of bait
Yet, loss of commerce is their overall fate

But for those who exit and take new scenic routes
Hardly ever does it end in pouts
We discover hometown hospitality
And interesting local history

There are hoards of billboards on our byways
Even telling us how far from KU and Fort Hays
Many small ones during political races
Trying to influence our voting paces

It’s like the Yellow Pages in the sky
And, yes, their number can cause a sigh
But this old man needs the listing
Eyes not so good, helps me in not missing