Out on the Turnpike

It helps to have the correct change
When one embarks on a trip out of range

Of city roads and one way streets
Oh, how we longed for that far away retreat

And thus it was with much pomp and joy
Promised each other to go out and enjoy

But pity us, it was a moonless dark night
And from the start nothing seemed alright

The turnpike was always a mess
even in times of recess

Like a million zombies on  a race track
Or much rather like drivers on crack

Here we were in the middle of them pack
Oh, how we longed to turn back and hit the sack

The lanes were long and tortuous
To swerve and not crash, we were twice fortuitous

The end seemed far from near
But the casino bells we could almost hear

All in due course they said, and do not hurry
After all, three days we are going to make merry

Four hours and and twenty, and still we were a climbing
The toll booth signs looked suddenly all too inviting

A little brake and a little haste
We were there at once before the gate

Five dollars and twenty said the voice
We could all but hear her amidst the noise

Nay, take this ten and gimme my change,
Said the voice in tones stern and clear, you must be deranged

To drive so far and not see your lane
I can only but understand your pain

Alas, but rules are rules and nothing I can say
The exact change is what you must pay

Or else a hefty fine, for all the extra time
Trust me I will not so much as steal a dime

Fifty heavy dollars and not a penny more
left us  with moods sombre and very sore

All too glad were we,to see our hotel sign
With endless happy thoughts to wine and dine

And thus with tall promises never again to incur a fine
I end this story on a happy rhyme.