I don’t know about you, but whenever I leave the house to head out on another trip, I have the mindset that I’m already headed home. I love to be out on the road, but I love my wife and my life at home more. I was thinking about some of the poems I’ve written in the past. I’ve written poems about women drivers, about husband and wife teams, and about my beautiful wife, Alicia, but I do not recall writing about truckers’ wives in general. I’m reminded of the Red Sovine song, Woman Behind The Man, Behind The Wheel. In that song, he gives props to the women who spend their lives taking care of the duties at home, while their husbands spend many nights away. It’s a unique and challenging role for sure. And then, when the husband comes home, all order and routine goes out the window and the pace is changed to accommodate his needs. Thank you so much to the faithful wives who care for their truck driving husbands! My mom, my wife, and several of my friends know firsthand what that kind of life has to offer – it is lonely and frustrating, and it’s only for the strongest, most faithful kind of couple. A few weeks ago I was delighted to meet Ron Pettijohn (AKA Trucker Ron), one of the drivers who is instrumental in the distribution of 10-4 Magazine and a pretty popular guy on the highways out west. He told me about his wife, Pamela, who he is clearly in love with. We chatted for over an hour at the new Pilot truck stop in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I was inspired to write this poem at his request and in appreciation of Pamela and their 29 years of marriage. This poem is a glimpse of some of the thoughts a driver may think of as he longs for his lonely bride waiting at home. Ron and Pam, congratulations on your many years together, Lord knows that’s not as common these days. And to everyone else, I hope you enjoy this poem written for those awesome trucker wives that allow us drivers to go out and do what we love so much.
THE TRUCKER’S WIFE
By Trevor Hardwick
I’m running way behind,
We kiss and send me on my way.
And voices in my mind,
Keep repeating all the things you say.
And right there on the dash,
Tucked in behind the pressure gauge.
A faded photograph,
Reveals how gracefully you’ve aged.
My job takes me away,
I hate to leave you standing there.
Yet faithfully you’ve stayed,
While I’m out on the road somewhere.
I love you more than I…
I love you more than I can say.
And I cannot deny,
I praise Him for you when I pray.
Your love is solid gold,
And you compare to none I’ve known.
I’ve seen wonders on the road,
But nothing like the love you’ve shown.
I’m stubborn as a mule,
Sometimes I might as well be blind.
But when it comes to you,
You somehow captivate my mind.
I’m rambling now I know,
My thoughts are centered on your smile.
And time is ticking slow,
It’s antagonizing me every mile.
The interstate is hot,
‘Tween Needles and the Cali line.
But I give it all I’ve got,
You’re the only woman on my mind.
You carry quite a load,
To bear upon your precious life.
I chose the open road,
You chose to be a trucker’s wife.
