southbound in southern Ohio / 1971-1973?-1970

the sign read:

“last stop for 20 miles”.

surely I can go

20 miles without incident.

what’s 20 miles

when you’re driving

a fast car?

after 10 miles another sign read:

“death awaits in 10 miles”.

what's the driver

of a fast car to do?

so, I traveled on fearlessly

into Kentucky.

inside, the sign

above the counter read:

“We reserve the right

to refuse service to Anyone!”

I ordered the meatloaf plate.