Welcome to December, everyone! I hope you had a good Thanksgiving and the roads treat you fair until Christmas. I was just flipping through some old issues of 10-4 Magazine and reflecting on some of the topics that dominate our industry, our way of life and trucking culture, in general, at the time each issue was printed. It’s interesting to see the changes and the timeless trends we are experiencing as professional drivers. While doing this, it dawned on me how many of the folks who contribute to this very publication weren’t necessarily born and bred in the trucking industry. Yet, their particular fields of expertise, their passions and their experiences lead them to lend those crafts to those of us who feel like we know no other lifestyle other than trucking. I’m thankful for people like Dan Linss, Erik Sieben and others who spend as much time as a long-haul driver, away from home, to bring us this magazine, along with the many unseen participants like Derek Williams, who run all over God’s green Earth, in their personal vehicles, distributing bundles of issues to various locations. I could go on and on about the scores of people who lend their skills, time and talents to make this magazine possible, but I’d be hogging all the space! Here’s a little-known fact: we, as contributors, don’t necessarily know each other personally. It’s true! I know many of them, and some know me, but the majority of us have never met. It just goes to show what a vast and diverse group of people I get to associate myself with, if only vicariously, through this 10-4 family. The point of all this leads me to my latest poem. While I may enjoy cranking out some whimsical rhymes, or words of rhyming sentiment, I’m certainly not the master of the craft! I admire the work of the other contributors, and I’m honored and humbled to offer my part to these pages.
POETRY IS NOT MY THING
By Trevor Hardwick
You’re flippin’ through this magazine,
But whatcha lookin’ for?
There’s plenty of variety,
In the pages of Ten-Four.
Read about the cover trucks,
And check out all the pics.
Or learn about performance diesels,
Tuning tips, and tricks.
You can find responses to,
What others “Ask The Law”.
Or check out Clint’s Creations,
Which are sure to drop your jaw.
Maybe you like stories about,
The way it used to be.
If so, then Dennis Mitchell,
Has a column you should see.
If you respect the kind of folks,
Who really walk-the-walk.
Then flip to Kim Grimm’s contribution,
Known as “Trucker Talk”.
Are you thirsty for some knowledge,
Or for things to think about?
SharLeigh has some Words of Wisdom,
You should go check out.
A crossword puzzle, show reports,
Truckertoons, and more!
And ads for parts and services,
You might be searching for.
Tips to help improve your health,
By Norma Hannigan.
And Wayne’s World keeps you up-to-date,
On all the federal shenanigans.
All these great contributors,
To keep you up to speed.
But what if all you wanted,
Was some trucking poetry?
I’d like to say that you’re in luck,
You’ve come to the right place.
I’d love to offer rhymes,
To put a smile upon your face.
But poetry is not my thing,
So, I guess you’re out of luck.
Enjoy your 10-4 Magazine,
And I’ll go drive my… car!