The Invisible Hand by Michael J. Compton God’s black billboard asks, "Have you read my best-seller?" Like a thought balloon Above the old Bob’s Big Boy. The big, grinning rube In the checkered overalls Holds his burger high -- An offering to the One Who speaks through ad space, Because the old steeple clubs He used to favor Can’t cut the current market, Where even burgers Are focus-grouped and trendy, And cornball mascots Are as passé as church bells. ©2002 by Michael J. Compton Michael J. Compton is a writer and filmmaker who teaches African American Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Memphis.

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