Pre-Holiday Roads

Friday night, the end of May,
Before the Monday holiday,
Was once a nightmare if one dared
To drive; you had to be prepared

For hours and hours of stop and go.
Your trip would be both long and slow,
But some years back there was a change,
A difference that I still find strange.

Vacationers en masse decided
By the rules, they'd not be guided,
So they hooky-played and split
On Thursday, caring not a whit

About their job or boss or class;
Just one day off - they'd get a pass.
And so, for me, my Friday trip
Was quick and easy - zip, zip, zip!