Lift your glass
and catch the light
of the flashing name tag.
Champagne bubbles, ceiling reflections
and sighing dreams illuminated by
bold signage.
From Simpson's Rest we proclaim
TRINIDAD in glaring lights.
Guarded by the grandeur of the Peak and
possessor of a crooked brick road
of historical importance the town is blessed.
To the west are the majestic
Sangre de Cristos, beauty unsurpassed.
Baca House, Bloom House, Mitchell
and the Aultman museums are
banked prestige.
Black coal and fat cattle
are more boasting points.
A rich history with ghosts
walking the streets
for the tourist trade.
This is a noteworthy town.
The flashing name tag
seems out of place.
Not really needed for those who know
and impotent for those who don't.
Imagine if you will
flying into Paris
and seeing a dirigible with a sign
announcing PARIS.
Does New York City need a
name tag?
Even Denver seems
to not need a calling card.
And Hollywood's glaring gross sign
proves my point.
So what is it with my hometown?
Where did we get the idea for
an electric pronouncement
of the obvious?
Perhaps we are trying to attract
rare rich moths.
For there is no need to shout
to those who hear a whisper
nor those who are deaf.
If there were no name tag
who would not know they were in Trinidad?
A single powerful beacon
or a flashing red lamp
would be stronger and more honest.
Only Hollywood or a wimp
wears an electric name tag.