The Last 10-4

Poem about a trucker and his feelings after a tragic accident.

He used a CB radio
Way back in the day
"Breaker, breaker
Hey, whatta ya say?"

"What's your handle?
Mine is Jay Bird.
Where ya headed?
What's the good word?"

He loved making buddies
Through those radio waves
Now he just sits around
His mind in a daze.

He remembers the Smokey
Who covered the crash
The road covered in blood,
Car parts and trash.

Doesn't remember much else
And he really doesn't care
Used to drive eighteen-wheels
Now, just a four-wheeled chair.

For many, many a year
He's hurt down to the core
Just wants to check out
Good buddy, 10-4.

 

Author's Note

Please give an overall review on this poem. **My father was a truck driver for many, many years. A good friend of his was killed in a tragic accident while on the job.

Reviews

[annalysiar]

This is short sweet good write

[Coyote Poetry]

My father loved the road. I do understand the poem. Great sadness for the road men when they cannot be part of it. Thank you Melissa for sharing the story in the poetry.
Coyote

[MelissaAndres]

Thank you, Coyote Poetry!

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Melissa.

[Mister T.]

Finally, after an exhausting test week at school I've finally got some free time. Great to have read one of your amazinf pieces once again, Melissa :)

[MelissaAndres]

Thank you, Mister T. I appreciate it! :)

[ANTO]

So sad Melissa. I could feel the anguish and the loss. The idea of the CB lingo within it is inspired.

[MelissaAndres]

Thank you so much, Anto!

[alifeacoustic]

I remember the craze of cb, although never partook. Beautifully written Melissa, with compassion for the man who used to have more wheels.
Nicely captured Melissa.

[MelissaAndres]

Thank you, alifeacoustic! I appreciate your kind comments, always.

[wordman]

different style for you ! loved the sentiment showing a destroyed life in just a matter of seconds

[MelissaAndres]

Thank you, wordman! My father was a truck driver for many, many years and although it didn't happen in this particular way, a very good friend of his was actually killed in a wreck in his big rig. My Dad was totally devastated.

[wordman]

several members in my family are drivers,and one terminal manager

[LapseOfMind]

Wow, powerful poem! Flowed well with an easy meter to it. I liked it. It provided good imagery and left me feeling sorry for the guy. Good job!

[MelissaAndres]

Thank you, LapseOfMind! I appreciate your kind comments!

[747]

Is your last line supposed to be "Good buddy, 10-4."? Because I feel like it would be more appropriate as "Goodbye buddy, 10-4." ....just saying/wondering.

And your 4th stanza "He remembers the Smokey / Who covered the crash" what does this mean? I understand the second part of the stanza, and I would think in the first line that 'Smokey' would be the location; but the second line there doesn't make sense to me.

I think you've got a box of sad tied up with a nice bow in this poem though. Good job.

[MelissaAndres]

Dell, I guess you need to know CB lingo to really appreciate this poem or know someone who is a truck driver. My father was a truck driver for many, many, many years before he got injured and had to take early retirement. A very good friend of his was killed in a terrible wreck not long afterward. A truck driver would never say, "Goodbye". 10-4 actually means good-bye or over-and-out to indicate they are leaving the CB airways ... hence, Good buddy, 10-4. And, a Smokey is a police officer. Have you ever watched the movie Smokey and the Bandit? So, the truck driver in the poem remembers the police officer who covered the crash that he was in, leaving him wheelchair bound. My father is not in a wheelchair but is partially disabled due to several back surgeries ... and his CB handle was truly Jay Bird.

[747]

Okay. Thank you for explaining that to me. That makes more sense.

[MelissaAndres]

You are very welcome!