Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

With love from a small town meat market February 12, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 5:00 AM
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A poem on a sign outside Kenyon Meats. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2024)

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.

Roses my husband previously gifted to me. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

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 unassuming building that houses Kenyon Meats. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

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.

More humorous signage… (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

I’ve also read this on the two-sided Kenyon Meats sign: SMOKE MEAT/NOT METH.

And more words to make you laugh. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

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.

Randy grills meat and vegetables year-round, yes, even in the Minnesota winter. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

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.

(Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

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

 

18 Responses to “With love from a small town meat market”

  1. Beth Ann's avatar Beth Ann Says:

    Very witty signage. I love it!

  2. beth's avatar beth Says:

    love, love their sense of humor! I’m sure it always brings a smile )

  3. I so needed a good chuckle today – thanks! We have a veterinarian by our house and their sign a while back stated it is all fun and games until someone ends up wearing a cone. So have to appreciate the humor at times. Enjoy your day 🙂

  4. vbollinger's avatar vbollinger Says:

    Someone in the Kenyon meat market is clever with words. Fun signs.

  5. Rose's avatar Rose Says:

    Thanks for sharing Kenyon Meat Market’s humorous signs. 😄 They certainly draw our attention away from any agitating thoughts.

  6. Gunny's avatar Gunny Says:

    I had a bumper sticker – loved it as it made people read my bumper – a LOT. One Bumper sticker stated “I am the guy your Mother warned you about.” A while back before Christmas, I lost my lower Denture. Been eating soft and mushy ever since Yesterday I had a dental appointment to get me a new set up. However, that morning I found my lower! I have looked high and low for that plate! I am going out this week and treat myself to a steak and something called Wild West Shrimp. A spicy Shrimp dish which I fell in love with. To all you Ladies, Happy Valentine’s day

    Meanwhile I am supposed to be cleaning house – so the Maid can clean it. How does that work?

  7. and bacon! My son would absolutely approve of that poem


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