A Truckers Life

I'm a trucker all day with long days ahead,
Working all through the night, while your asleep in your bed.
Before I can leave I inspect, check then go,
Everything seems good except my fluids seem low.
I hop in the cab, no time I can wait,
If deadlines are missed then there goes my freight and wage rate.
I stress about the road, my family and daily troubles,
While worried about my wife and all her daily struggles.
Few hours have gone, things couldn't be more wrong,
On these days I know my day will be a long one.
Should have known those fluids were too low when I left the compound,
Now a techs on his way to fix my mess, so I can continue eastward bound.
As he starts the semi he realizes we have an even bigger mess,
I forgot to release the drain-cock and now shes full of moisture in distress.
When its all said and done and im back on track with my load,
Trying to catch up with speed on the cold winding road.
With my windows rolled down and music on five,
Making sure I stay awake to keep me alive.
The worst part of my day is not knowing whats next,
because when one thing goes wrong its like a domino effect.
I try to do my very best to make the most of my time away,
If I don't then I might as well be at home with a normal 9 to 5 work day.
So many days I'm gone for so long,
Those days I know I have to be strong.
Without a trucker there be no food in our tummies,
No houses or clothes, society would all become dummies.
I miss them more today then yesterday but not as much as tomorrow,
I know all the risks, so i count the days til this trip is over.
To the compound I go, my last load is finally done,
I can finally go home, life has finally begun.
Life of a trucker has many cons but some pros,
You lose sleep, meals and miss loved ones but your pay always grows.
I shed a tear when I see her standing there, waiting for me,
Realizing how much I missed her and the whole family.

Joanna Ryan-McDonald