Kansas

I've traversed Kansas more times than I care to remember, In the searin' heat of August and the chilly cold of December. I suppose the Kansas Tourism folks would disagree with me, But bless my soul - there just ain't all that much to see! The roads stretch interminably - towns are few and far between. To stay alert I slurp numerous cups of rancid, vile caffeine. There ain't nothin' but nothin' along the monotonous route. Will this agony ever end? The pointless question is moot! Crestin' a rare hill and stretchin' ahead arrow straight, Are endless miles and miles of shimmerin' interstate. I even welcome my spouse's idle prattle to keep me alert, As eighteen-wheelers and the road crews I try to avert! There's lots of sunflowers but a definite paucity of trees. Praise be for air conditionin' - outside 'tis ninety-nine degrees! I do spot some cows, goats, sheep and Poland China hogs, And a sign touts a place to see rattlesnakes and prairie dogs! We whiz past places like Russell, WaKeeney and Kanorado. At last we cross the line to my colorful state of Colorado! I'm sure Kansas ain't all desolation - that I would not imply, But next time we have occasion to head east, I think we'll fly! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved