Do you like fancy trucks? The kind with elegant paint schemes, shimmering chrome, and polished aluminum? Of course, you do. We all do. There are certainly a ton of varying tastes in style, but when a fancy truck comes into view, I think it’s safe to say, we all take notice – and so does the general public. This is a good thing. It helps promote a positive image and, honestly, it’s just fun to see cool trucks. Over the years, the trends have swayed to and fro, with respect to how to dazzle up a big rig. Some eras were heavy on multi-colored paint schemes, with lots of pin-striping and chrome accessories, and some eras leaned more toward the monochromatic, clean, and simple look. Either way, these rigs are a reflection of our personal styles and tastes. But one thing that seems to stand the test of time is the addition of extra lights. Some people prefer lots of lights, and some prefer a few strategically placed lights to give a phantom glow. But one thing is definitely for sure, we truckers like our lights! Affectionately referred to as “chicken-lights” these bulbs serve as a function of safety and style. This poem is an ode to the chicken-lights and the attention they garner. Being noticed is fun, as long as the attention you are getting is positive. But beware! Chicken-lights can get you all kinds of attention, good and bad. In any case, I think it’s safe to say, everything looks better in a chicken-light glow.
A CHICKEN-LIGHT GLOW
By Trevor Hardwick
Drill at a least a million holes, and string a mile of wires,
Put those lights on everything, except maybe on the tires.
Sure, that truck looks pretty, oh but everybody knows…
Everything looks better, in a chicken-light glow.
Hit the road and wait for dusk, then throw a couple switches,
And watch as everybody else, starts swerving for the ditches.
The pavement on the highway and the evening traffic flow…
Everything looks better, in a chicken-light glow.
Reflections in the windows, of the buildings that you pass,
Or parking that sweet semi, in your front lawn on the grass.
Idling through a parking lot and cruising that back row…
Everything looks better, in a chicken-light glow.
Sittin’ on an off-ramp, in a rainstorm late at night,
Lookin’ like the Vegas Strip, or airport runway lights.
Even in the God-forsaken good-for-nothing snow…
Everything looks better, in a chicken-light glow.
But here’s a word of caution, you may heed it if you like,
Someone may come tapping, on your tractor door at night.
Let ‘em pass and lock your doors ‘cause everybody knows…
Everything looks better, in a chicken-light glow!