Ok folks, this one is tricky. I wrote this poem for all those teams out there who have spent their lives rolling down the interstate together. It can be very rewarding or very taxing on any relationship. Being cooped up in the cab of a truck 24/7 is tough enough for one person, but when two people live in that tiny space, it can challenge the best of the best. My mom and dad have spent many years together on the road, and they trucked hard! But prior to that, my dad drove solo for 20+ years while mom raised the six of us kids. When we were old enough to take care of ourselves, mom hit the road with dad. At first, she was just in the truck to keep dad company (and so dad could run a second log book). I really don’t think that my mom had strong intentions of making a career out of driving long haul. She was already quite content either driving locally or working outside of the trucking industry to be home with us rugrats. So, it was quite an adjustment for both of them to be spending so much time together in such a small space. I know you’re laughing to yourself right now if you can relate to this scenario. Fast forward to the present – mom and dad are both retired from the road, and they both miss it dearly. And the rough times they endured together back then are part of the reward and appreciation they have for each other today. The strength of one helps to carry the weakness of the other. That is the mark of a great team. I dedicate “Carried” to the husband and wife teams that have chosen to bear the burdens and reap the rewards of their spouse and co-driver in pursuit of the open road and the American dream – together.
CARRIED
By Trevor Hardwick
I remember how, it used to feel.
When we hooked up, it felt so real.
Ever since, we’ve been quite the pair.
We still turn heads, most anywhere.
We sure have made, a lot of miles.
And lookin’ back, it’s been a while.
I’ll follow you, wherever you go.
I’ll stick with you, dear, to and fro’.
When there’s a load, that I must bear.
It’s by your strength, I get it there.
I’m not made, for standing still.
But without you, dear, I guess I will.
When we connect, you light me up!
I know I’ve weighed, you down so much.
But I am strong, I’ll bear your load.
I’ll follow you, down any road.
Remember when, I lost my cool?
I spoiled that load, felt like a fool.
Or that Christmas when, you felt me slip?
You held me tight, and kept your grip.
I’d be empty, if it weren’t for you.
But you’d be lost, without me, too.
You’re my source, of motivation.
I’ve chased you, all across the nation.
You pressure me, to move along.
I’m widely right, you’re never wrong.
You do your best, all night and day.
And I’m behind you, all the way.
We hooked up, many years ago.
We’ve traveled fast, we’ve traveled slow.
You look as good, as you did back then.
I’ve been with you, through thick and thin.
I’m showing signs, of wearing out.
I’ve wondered if, you have your doubts.
The weight of the world, is on my back.
That’s what I do, I cut no slack.
It occurred to me, just recently.
The world expects, a lot from me.
From north to south, and sea to sea.
I’ve carried them, but you’ve carried me!
(now re-read this poem as if a trailer is speaking to the tractor)