THE SPEED LIMIT

When Deborah and I drive long distances there is never any debate

We love to take to the back roads and stay off of the interstate.

We decided when the children were little, it doesn’t matter how near or how far

The start of our vacation was always the minute we got in the car.

It usually made the trip a little longer but none of us seemed to care

Our goal was to arrive at the place we were going as well as have fun getting there.

Coming back from North Carolina this time we took the back roads and it was great

Even so there are times whether we like it or not when we can’t avoid the old interstate.

We set our cruise control on the speed limit because from speeding we also abstain

We happily drive the posted speed as we cruise down the middle lane.

But I’ll pose this question to the masses, can somebody please tell me why

If I am going the speed limit, everyone else keeps passing me by?

I don’t think I am an old fogey, it’s just for safety and serenity I strive

For not only do I want to get where I’m going...I want to get there alive.

So many vehicles passed us with drivers using gestures meant to malign

That I assumed they were from other countries and couldn’t read the speed limit signs.

For instance a big truck pulling a long trailer filled with horses went by us in such a blur.

I couldn’t tell what state they came from or count how many horses there were.

A van with a ‘Safety is our Business’ sign must have been going at least 95

He was speeding so fast to show how safe he was I just hope that he got there alive.

A truck filled with new cars and vans passed me so fast it should be a crime

For a humongous truck with 6 vehicles on top to all pass me at the same time.

Finally a white haired woman from California with a bumper sticker from the Rose Bowl

Went by me so fast I had to wonder if her car was out of control.

When a little old lady from Pasadena passes you (I believe she called me a bad name)

You have to remember as you’re driving the speed limit not to feel embarrassment or shame.

I could go on and on with my tribulations but I promise not to bore you anymore

I’ll leave you with one thought as you’re driving...What the hell is the speed limit for?

So the next time you approach a blue Honda Fit on the highway as I have no doubt that someday you will

And you wonder if he’s going the speed limit as you pass him like he’s standing still

Don’t concern yourself with how slow he’s going, you don’t have to wonder why.

Just smile and wave to the driver...and I’ll wave back as you quickly whiz by.