"Bubbling up in our own good time-- online."
Groundwaters Publishing, LLC
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Volume 2 Issue 3
Page 11
Page 11
But first – in ancient times, what did humans do?
A broken twig, a mark on a tree,
Footprints in the mud.
But then came modern signs from A to Z.
And so we advanced: Stop! Go!
Speed up. Slow down.
Curve ahead, solid line in the center.
Sorry, wrong way. Do not enter.
We live in a world besieged by signs
The grocery store, the shopping mall
All make demands upon our minds.
“Now on Sale;” “Just Reduced;” “Buy Now; Pay Later.”
“Baby on Board;” “Honor Student” – what do they mean?
Should I be extra careful not to hit them, if they’re a tot or a teen?
Bumper stickers and lawn signs with messages, social and political.
Vanity plates, the Oregon Trail, and a fir tree quite artistically hysterical!
Signs that give permission. It’s okay to park.
Signs that deny – no pets that bark.
Signs that say thank you for not: smoking, that is.
Or some that say: no shoes, no shirts, no service. Gee Whiz!
Did you ever go up “The Down Staircase” just because it was there?
I did once and was subject to stares.
New signs of our times, some verbal commands.
“Have a nice day;” “Enjoy your lunch”
Have I no choice as I proceed to munch?
Programmed statements, mechanical and cold:
Enjoy your evening, the weekend, whatever.
Speakers speak as if pulling a lever.
So, please take me back to a simpler time.
No signs that revolve, flash or make noise.
Just one that says “quiet” – my favorite sign.
A broken twig, a mark on a tree,
Footprints in the mud.
But then came modern signs from A to Z.
And so we advanced: Stop! Go!
Speed up. Slow down.
Curve ahead, solid line in the center.
Sorry, wrong way. Do not enter.
We live in a world besieged by signs
The grocery store, the shopping mall
All make demands upon our minds.
“Now on Sale;” “Just Reduced;” “Buy Now; Pay Later.”
“Baby on Board;” “Honor Student” – what do they mean?
Should I be extra careful not to hit them, if they’re a tot or a teen?
Bumper stickers and lawn signs with messages, social and political.
Vanity plates, the Oregon Trail, and a fir tree quite artistically hysterical!
Signs that give permission. It’s okay to park.
Signs that deny – no pets that bark.
Signs that say thank you for not: smoking, that is.
Or some that say: no shoes, no shirts, no service. Gee Whiz!
Did you ever go up “The Down Staircase” just because it was there?
I did once and was subject to stares.
New signs of our times, some verbal commands.
“Have a nice day;” “Enjoy your lunch”
Have I no choice as I proceed to munch?
Programmed statements, mechanical and cold:
Enjoy your evening, the weekend, whatever.
Speakers speak as if pulling a lever.
So, please take me back to a simpler time.
No signs that revolve, flash or make noise.
Just one that says “quiet” – my favorite sign.
| Signs of Our Times By Janet Romanek |