A Christmas poem

by Rob Wilkins

Years ago, my predecessor Ted Light wrote his own version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

It was a touching account of a trucker trying to make it home to his family on Christmas Eve.

It’s been 10 years and I still remember the phone calls and letters that his touching version garnered. This month, I thought I’d bring back that special Christmas poem:

‘Twas the run before Christmas, in the cab of my truck, A hundred miles from home, I’m in need of some luck.

The kids hung their stockings, but are feeling quite sad, They must go to bed now, and they wonder, “Where’s Dad?”

With a kiss and a hug, all will be right, But alone in the kitchen, Mom grows more uptight.

Earlier that day, the children were grinning, As they speckled the tree, with bright balls and trimming.

Then sipping hot chocolate, and playing Christmas songs, And talking about Daddy, who’s been gone too long.

And now I can see her, her brow creased with fret, As the children start dreaming, there’s no presents yet.

Curled on the couch, running a hand through her hair, In the glow of the tree lights, hoping I’ll be there.

Then I imagine the morning, with my love at my side, In tumbling our children. I must finish this ride.

Howling winds, blowing snow, and ahead all is white, Doubts creeping in. Will I make it tonight?

Beside me in the cab, with the wind unforgiving, Pretty packages sit waiting, for sweet Christmas giving.

I’ve a truckload of wishes, and I must deliver, But the storm keeps on roaring, as my old engine shivers.

It’s hardy and stubborn, and it’s taken me miles, And I’ll need it tonight, to see my kids’ smiles.

Rolling over the drifts, rubber gripping the snow, My big rig keeps moving, but ever so slow.

I’m gripping the wheel, and grinding her gears, And that fierce wind’s just whistling, and I can’t hardly steer.

And great gusts are blowing me, to the side of the road, And I’m fighting my fear, as I steady my load.

What was that I noticed, with a glance to the sky, Could the weather be clearing, did a star catch my eye?

And then, in a heartbeat, not a moment too soon, The night sky emerges, twinkling stars and bright moon.

With clear road ahead, I quickly arrive, The children peek from the window, as I pull in the drive.

I pat the door of my rig, as my feet touch the ground, For on this special night, it brought me home safe and sound.

With a heart full of joy, and a smile on my face, I open our door, to a loving embrace.

The gifts round the tree, make a beautiful sight, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

-Rob Wilkins is the publisher of Truck News and can be reached at 416-510-5123.


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