I’m sure we all do it… those long hours behind the wheel and the endless windshield time give birth to some random thoughts that pass the miles away. I do that all the time. It’s just one of the perks of being in a line of work that offers tons of alone time. Sometimes, I let my mind wander to other places I’d like to be, or it may wander into conversations I’ve had or would like to have. There are times I just ponder the next generation of truck drivers, and what they might be like. What inspires them? I know for a fact that I was inspired by my dad and his generation of true-grit truckers, plus the super beautiful design of big rigs back then had a massive impact on me as a child, as well. But today, are things that way anymore? Do the younger generations feel inspired by what we do? Are they inspired at all by the cookie-cutter aerodynamic look of white fleet trucks that dominate the roads these days? Heck, do they feel inspired at all? I don’t really know. Maybe so, maybe not. But I, for one, hope to be the kind of truck driver that once inspired me, and maybe somewhere, out there, some little kid is letting their mind wander just as I did, aspiring to keep the spirit of rugged American individualism alive and well in this industry.
WANDERINGS
By Trevor Hardwick
I’ve been on this highway,
For hours upon hours.
And I can’t help but think of,
This country of ours.
Waning are people,
Who mean what they say.
And work hard and steady,
For an honest days’ pay.
Where are the boys,
Who aspire to be men?
Will we ever get back,
To that country again?
I’ve been on this blacktop,
For days upon days.
The road’s straight and true,
But my mind’s in a maze.
Constantly wandering,
Turning around.
Floating while searching,
For good solid ground.
When will the pivotal,
Things that we do.
Give way to other things,
Straighter and true?
I’ve chased these white lines,
For years upon years.
Making my living,
With blood, sweat, and tears.
I’m doing what I feel,
Is something worthwhile.
And making more memories,
Mile after mile.
Let’s bring back the days,
When this lifestyle we lead.
Was something that others,
Aspired to be.