Drivin' Along a Country Road

When I need an uplift for my weary soul and to clear my muddled mind.
I slowly cruise along a country road to see what treasures I might find.
I leave behind the frenzied traffic on the four-lane interstate,
To enjoy bucolic vistas along a gravel road, my languid soul to sate.

I see old barns with Mail Pouch Tobacco ads now faint due to age,
And remnants of Burma Shave signs with their charmin' adage.
Stately homes with white picket fences grace the country road,
With roses of every hue surroundin' emerald lawns all neatly mowed.

I cross a rickety wooden bridge 'neath which country boys are fishin',
And for long ago summer days of feckless youth, it gits me to wishin;!
A lady waves to me as she hangs her laundry on the clothesline to dry.
A sign on the old country store reads, 'Wave If You Can't Stop By!'

Farmers on John Deere tractors wave as they tend their fields of grain.
They sure kick up lots of dust and I reckon they're prayin' for some rain.
I rolled down the windows to savor the wonderful scent of new-mown hay,
And slow to let an Amish family in their buggy move along the way.

Fat cattle graze on lush meadows, each with a meanderin' stream.
Horses gaze at me over fences as they look askance and dream.
I loathe interstates where folks think they're in the Indy 500-mile race.
I prefer old country roads where life is enjoyed at a much slower pace!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(c) 2015 All Rights Reserved

Copyright © | Year Posted 2015



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Date: 4/27/2017 5:56:00 PM
Bob: I've been there and done that, but never could have described it the way you have. Thank you for sharing your fine works with all of us on the soup. oldbuck
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Date: 5/15/2015 9:45:00 PM
I enjoyed reading this delightful poem. A lovely journey along old country roads. 7
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Date: 2/15/2015 11:53:00 AM
This is such a fantastic write dear poet ! I mostly am terse when it comes to commenting on writes, yet, when I happenstance cross one of your writes, I can't help myself...but share. My son often becomes disgruntled(my 32yr ol' that is), when we drive to Florida from Pa. cause, it takes me about 9 days to git there cause all of them good ol' country roads ! ;) Have a blessed week Sir !....much love, james
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Date: 2/13/2015 8:32:00 AM
you have created a great visual Robert... enjoyed your pen... nad!
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Date: 2/13/2015 3:42:00 AM
- Always a pleasure to read your stories ..... enjoy this one dear Bob :) - I wish you a sweet Valentine's Day and a beautiful weekend! - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Date: 2/12/2015 8:40:00 PM
Mr Bob. this is delightful...I must admit i go the backroads home whenever I can. Love to see the cows and deer and turkeys. I love this and Im going to put this in my favorites..along with alot of your other poems. Im waving as you go by...BG
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Date: 2/12/2015 8:19:00 PM
Robert, reading this was a little bit of heaven in the pocket of my heart today. Thank you for the fresh air, the slow ride, and for taking me back home. I am fav'ing this one! 7 Hugs, Connie
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Date: 2/12/2015 5:38:00 PM
oh, bob, i was right in that car with you! i love the horses "as they look askance and dream" and the lady who waves "as she hangs her laundry on the clothesline to dry." there's so much that's wonderful in this poetic gem!
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Date: 2/12/2015 4:56:00 PM
G'day Robert... There's nothing like a good nostalgia poem Robert to remind me of what life was like. The pace, the smell of mown hay, the trust etc. Unfortunately the country roads I travelled are getting further away now. Thank you Robert - Lindsay
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Date: 2/12/2015 4:50:00 PM
I enjoyed reading so much. You describe a country road so well!
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Date: 2/12/2015 4:45:00 PM
I am with you,nothing brings more serenity than the country life.Just beautiful!
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Date: 2/12/2015 4:23:00 PM
what delightful imagery Robert I enjoyed the journey you took us on:-) Hugs Jan xxx
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