Robert L. Hinshaw | + Follow Poet |
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Roadside Poetry

In my youth I was completely engrossed,
By poetry along the byways nailed to a post!
It wasn't composed by John Greenleaf Whittier;
No, the authors were much more wittier!
I speak of Burma Shave signs once all the craze,
But can only be found in museums nowadays.
I don't claim to own the wit of Nast or Nash,
But here are some I might've composed if I may be so brash!

If its a kiss from yer gal you crave
But the stubble on yer mug she hates
Better grab yerself a can of Burma Shave!

When ol' Sarge says you're grown' too much stubble
And threatens to nix yer weekend pass
Slather yer mug with Burma Shave on the double!

When you were interviewed for a host of jobs
But weren't hired because of yer stubble
Smother yer mug with Burma Shave in gobs!

When you insist on takin' her out to dine
But she says no caressin' yer 5-o'clock shadow
Mow yer mug usin' Burma Shave and all will be fine!

If it's yer handsome mug you want to save
Plain ol' Lifebuoy soap won't do the job
Use plenty of good ol' foamy Burma Shave!

Let me tell you fellers about the latest rave
If you want to impress your sweetie pie
Use smooth and creamy Burma Shave!

Copyright © Robert L. Hinshaw | Year Posted 2021

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Lindsay Laurie Date: 6/25/2021 11:58:00 PM Crikey Bob … I hope you’re getting paid for the advertising you done here - thanks Bob - Lindsay Login to Reply Robert L. Hinshaw Date: 6/26/2021 1:52:00 PM I reckon I was born too late, Lindsay, to contribute to the Burma Shave poetry craze and perhaps pick up a few bucks! Sadly, that bit of American lore has long been gone from the roadsides. They added to my cultural development as an old farm boy - ha! Good on ye, Mate! Bob

Rico Leffanta Date: 6/25/2021 11:55:00 AM Enjoyed! Those Burma Shave signs were a treat crossing the desert, back in the day when Coca-Cola was a cough syrup! Login to Reply Robert L. Hinshaw Date: 6/26/2021 2:07:00 PM Thank you Rico! I sure miss them. Here in Colorado about the only roadside signs you see are "construction zone ahead" - ha! Bob H

Regina Mcintosh Date: 6/25/2021 11:37:00 AM So adorable. Love these. Gorgeous and fun. God bless you always, Love, Gina Login to Reply Robert L. Hinshaw Date: 6/26/2021 2:04:00 PM So happy you enjoyed this bit of nonsense, Gina! The very best to you -Bob

Panagiota Romios Date: 6/25/2021 8:57:00 AM What a fun write, Bob, Those Burma Shave ads were great! They actually taiught reading, and poetry, Kids now have their heads stuck in their ipnoses when traveling, They miss local color, topography and more, We used to sing in the car on road trips, I forgot to mention,,,not looking at animals...such lovely cows Pangie xx Login to Reply Robert L. Hinshaw Date: 6/25/2021 10:19:00 AM Thank you, Pangie. Your kind comments brought back many boyhood memories as well. Speaking of well - get well soon - Bob

Gershon Wolf Date: 6/24/2021 11:19:00 PM Oh, I agree to the max, Bob! You knocked it out of the park with this one. Just love, love, love it! ... There was also this amazing commercial for Newport Cigarettes, in which the sign became alive. It had a beautiful girl in it, of course. Remember that one?!... And how about on top of your pate? -- Bryl cream, a little dab'll do ya! Those were the golden days of American advertising, for sure! ~ And now it's Pepsi, for those who think young! Login to Reply Robert L. Hinshaw Date: 6/25/2021 10:25:00 AM Thank you so much, Gershon. Yes, I recall many of those old commercials. The ads today drive me up the wall with their mini-scenarios that are just plain silly. The most effective ad I recall from many years ago was a Coca Cola ad where it showed a guy slowly gulping from a bottle of cola and when he finished it he simply said, "Aahh" - he said it all and enuff to get the point. Take good care - Bob

L Milton Hankins Date: 6/24/2021 8:50:00 PM Gosh, I remember those signs so well. I wonder, do they still make Burma Shave? We kids use to take great delight in reciting those ditties. Thanks for preserving the memory, Robert. Login to Reply Robert L. Hinshaw Date: 6/25/2021 10:21:00 AM Thank you, Milt. I researched Burma Shave on google and some of their products are still around. Also, on old Route 66 in the southwest, they still have some of their signs posted along the way. Pull up Burma Shave on google and you'll learn more than you want about B.S.