THE SEAT ON THE RIGHT
By Poet/Artist/Truck Driver Trevor Hardwick
A few years ago, I had a weekly run from Seattle, Washington to Salt Lake City, Utah. It was usually about a three to four day run and I really enjoyed it. I had the opportunity on several occasions to bring my friend Jessica along with me (we have been friends since high school). The two of us had lots of fun most of the time, but there were those times that we both couldn’t wait to get home and get out of the truck. I wrote this poem for her a couple years ago as a way of showing her my appreciation for going on all those back to back runs with me. I gave her the nickname “Shotgun Jessie” because it fit her well. She put on many miles in the passenger side of that old Pete 359 I drove, and I must say, she was one of the best passengers I’ve ever had in my truck. She knew my little “rules of the road” such as no sleeping while I’m driving, and if you have to use the restroom, you have to let me know way in advance! I know there are other people out there who spend their lives on the road but don’t drive, and if that is you, I hope you can relate to this funny little poem. And again, thank you, Jessica, for all the memories and all the miles you endured in the shotgun seat of my old truck.
SHOTGUN JESSIE
By Trevor Hardwick
I’ve been wastin’ my time – on the passenger side,
Of this great big truck – with a big diesel whine.
Could be back at home sleepin’ – in my own comfy bed,
But I’m bouncin’ up and down – in this air seat instead.
I’ve got achin’ shoulders – and a creek in my neck,
Ain’t seen a restroom in hours – and the last time I checked.
It’s been 18 hours – since I had a good meal,
I just can’t get enough – of those big 18-wheels.
My name’s Shotgun Jessie – and I come from out west,
I ride a big Peterbilt – I think Kenworth’s the best.
I don’t dare tell the driver – ‘cause it might hurt his pride,
And I love it right here – on the passenger side.
They call me Shotgun Jessie – ‘cause I don’t need to drive,
I just take my place – in the seat on the right.
I take control of the window – when the A/C don’t work,
Sometimes I laugh with the driver – sometimes he’s a jerk.
I could flirt with the drivers – that we leave in the dust,
At a hundred miles an hour – I don’t think they’ll catch us.
He’s got a big right foot – and it’s pressed to the floor,
I say “mash that motor!” – and he gives it some more.
‘Cause I’m Shotgun! – Shotgun Jessie!
I ride a big diesel truck – and it makes my clothes messy.
I say “Whoop! Whoop! – Truck it on up!”
Let the chicken lights shine – “Dammit driver, speed up!”
On a good night – we’ll be rollin’ in low,
With our elbows hung out – of our tinted window.
At the truckstops – every eye is on me,
‘Cause they’re jealous of the way – that I look in a Pete!
I stand five feet tall – with my bouncy blonde hair,
I just walk through the lot – and I feel people stare.
I wear clean clothes – or pajamas, I wear,
I guess they’re all impressed – that my teeth are all there.
I get ticked off – when I don’t get no sleep,
There’s no time to smell roses – with the schedule we keep.
But that’s alright – I’ll be happy again,
‘Cause I’m ridin’ shotgun – in a Pete with my friend.
I’ve got snapshots – of the view in the mirror,
I wish the objects really were – closer than they appear.
I miss Ogden – Logan, Layton and more,
And the irritating rattle – of the passenger door.
And it’s my place – to put my feet on the dash,
I give a simple little smile – to the people we pass.
Through the windshield – with the sun goin’ down,
I watch the street lights twinkle – in the cities and towns.
‘Cause I’m Shotgun! – Shotgun Jessie!
Ridin’ along in a truck – can be a curse and a blessing.
I say “Whoop! Whoop! – Truck it on up!”
Keep a CD in the player – keep the volume turned up!
When it winds down – and the trips almost done,
I’ll be a bit cranky – but I know I had fun.
I’ll be grateful – just to sleep in my bed,
But inside me I’ll be wishing – I was truckin’ instead.
‘Cause I’m Shotgun! – Shotgun Jessie!
I jump up in a truck – when I should be home resting.
I say “Whoop! Whoop! – Truck it on up!”
Ridin’ shotgun’s in my blood – and I can’t give it up!