RELIEF IS ON THE WAY
BY TRUCKER/POET/ARTIST TREVOR HARDWICK
This month’s poem is meant to be a light-hearted and funny portrayal of a stranded motorist who seems to have an optimistic view about an otherwise miserable circumstance. I once found myself stranded on the Salt Flats of Utah when the transmission in the van I was driving failed and I had to find a ride to Wendover, Nevada. Then, I had to get another ride back to Salt Lake City to get a rental truck that would haul myself (and the van) home. It was ridiculously hot and my friends and I were less than optimistic about our situation. Although none of the events mentioned in the poem really relate to what we went through, I certainly empathize with anyone who has ever had to walk that stretch of I-80 without any water or food. Thank God for our truck drivers for lending a helping hand to their fellow motorists! I hope you all enjoy this one.
A TRUCKER SENDS RELIEF
By Trevor Hardwick
I set out walkin’ down the road, my thumb up in the air.
My trusty pickup had a flat, and I ain’t got a spare.
I was west of Salt Lake City, and east of that state line.
I’m optimistic so I figured, I would be just fine.
People helping people, that’s what this land’s all about.
Someone’s gonna see me, and they’ll stop to help me out.
I walked a couple miles, with my optimistic grin.
But pessimism takes control, when chafing settles in.
It’s really gettin’ hot out here, the sun is not my friend.
The pavement sizzles in the heat, this highway has no end.
Funny how a lengthy walk, in sweltering summer heat.
Can make you more aware, of all the blisters on your feet.
They say that dehydration, has a symptom that it brings.
It makes you think you’re seeing, some imaginary things.
By now I’ve got my shirt pulled off, and tied around my head.
I’m so hungry that I can’t recall, the last time I was fed.
I’d like to thank the biker man, who offered me a ride.
Although I think he really wanted, me to be his bride!
“No thanks,” I said, “two grown men on a bike would be weird.”
“And what’s with all those rainbow ribbons, tied up in your beard?”
The blue sky and the Salt Flats, stretch as far as I can see.
As a friendly flock of buzzards, seem to keep me company.
By now I started praying, to my Lord up in the sky.
“Please God send me some relief, my throat is getting dry!”
About the time I said Amen, I heard a semi gearin’ down.
I thought for sure he’d pick me up, and take me into town.
He slowed way down, but didn’t stop, like some of you might think.
Instead he tossed a bottle out, of somethin’ good to drink.
I love those friendly truckers, I don’t care what people say.
He didn’t have to be so nice, to throw relief my way!
The label spelled out “Gatorade” although the lid was loose.
But I sure did appreciate, that jug of luke-warm apple juice!