I still live in a part of the USA where rural past can be seen IF you look hard. It is disappearing very fast though. This is an example-this sign has been decaying for many years. It is on it's "last leg" so to speak. And by the way, I left the power pole deliberately to balance the sign from being too static. The poles therefore should not detract now that everyone knows their purpose for being in photograph.
I think you're right about the power lines... it does help... it also gives it an urban touch to a rural scene... just like the rest of the country... there's power lines everywhere anything's beautiful (unless it's protected by the government of course)
I really like this. Very sentimental as I regret losing the "old south" (well, most of it anyway ;)). Great composition. I remember your work from photoSIG.