ROSES ARE RED/SO IS MEAT/POEMS ARE HARD/BACON.
It’s not exactly the most romantic version of the traditional ROSES ARE RED poem. But it’s certainly one of the most humorous spin-offs I’ve seen. I love this poem spotted last fall outside a small town southern Minnesota Meat Market, Kenyon Meats.
It seems appropriate to share this poem now, during Valentine’s week. Maybe your sweetheart would welcome a package of jerky from the meat locker. Or your poetic version of ROSES ARE RED with a side of bacon.
The market sits just off Minnesota State Highway 60, a major route running right through the heart of Kenyon’s several-block business district. The roadside messages posted on the meat market sign are enough to turn heads. And elicit laughter.
I’ve also read this on the two-sided Kenyon Meats sign: SMOKE MEAT/NOT METH.
And then there’s this one: DON’T FRY/BACON NAKED.
Obvious good advice aside, I truly appreciate the attention-grabbing humorous writing. Short enough to read while driving by. Clever. Funny. What a great marketing tool, especially with a meat reference included in the wordage.
The words drew me to photograph the scene while my husband, who likes home-grown meat markets, stepped inside to buy flavored brats. Randy loves meat (and grilling meats) as much as I love vegetables.
Ah, love. It’s in the air this week. From poetry to flowers to chocolate to dinner out, love prevails. Even at the meat market.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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