The air, heavily laden with exhaust,
is filled with the growl of diesel engines.
Monstrous beasts of power, that eat away
at the endless ribbon of asphalt.
My home away from home, this rolling
condo separates myself from my loved ones
With coffee in hand, I slide behind the wheel.
Setting the radio to my favorite station, I release
the brake. Five hundred horses, shrouded beneath
the hood, pull in tandem, answering my call.
Depressing the throttle, my spirit becomes
enlivened, as I allow them free rein.
Thus begins another excurison, through the jungles
of urban congestion or rural solitude.
Answering to no one, I make my own dispatch.
Accepting the loads, I desire, owing no one but
the customer my due allegiance. I pilot this massive
hulk through its’ paces, making the seemingly impossible
appear as a boring routine. Having done my due
once more, I find a safe haven to dock this steel ship.
A hot meal in the truck stop, phone calls to my
loved ones ensue. With a good book in hand,
I ease into the bunk. Taking a few moments
to pray, I thank the Lord for traveling along.
It is with Him as my co-driver I am able
to safely hurdle every obstacle on my journey.
Rather I am driving, each mile taking me further
away from home and hearth, or peacefully resting
in the semblance of death. I am comforted,
beyond measure, knowing I am always headed home.
Author notes
In Memory of Svein Erik Olsen, a brother through industry and trade. May you know the safety of home for eternity, having delivered your last load. As one who has long toiled behind the wheel, seperated from family and friends, I am aware life is as fleeting as the vapor exhaust of an engine's whine.
Photocredit: Family of Svein Erik Olsen
In a list
A contest entry
- Goodbye daddy, hope to see you in heaven by Meroza.
4500 points, ended September 11, 2008, 19 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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Here in Australia we have huge distances the truckies must travel to deliver their cargo. I see them passing every day, some going south and others going north on a major highway close by. Your poem is a real tribute to each and every one. I pray they are all "headed home", to the warmth and safety of their families. Your poem says it all, congratulations.
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Brother, this write says it all. The dedication to fulfilling all the tasks at whatever cost, sacrificing more than some realise. This is a worthy dedication to a lost soul. Well done.
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This is absolutely beautiful, heartfelt and sobering. Life is always passing us by. Time is of the biggest essence.
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This is such a beautiful heart felt poem my dear brother. I can feel so much love and emotion in your words. Good luck in the contest.
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Thank You, Dear Sis,
I only know that whatever words are shared will fail to fill the void left by his absence.
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a beautiful poem very deep and emotional good luck in the contest
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