On December 31, 2009 my wife Jean and I were out for New Years Eve. During the evening we were joined at our table by several people including an old friend of mine - Gordon Arthur Casey, a young man in his 80s. Casey was in the RCNVR during the Second World War serving from August 14, 1941 until August 22, 1945. Though he had many adventures during that time, one of his stories about trucking after the war captured my imagination. On January 1, 2010 I sat down and wrote this poem regarding one of his international trucking experiences. Hope you enjoy it - my friend Casey did.
Casey and the Drive to New Jersey
The trip was most uncertain with a load so big and wide
On highways long and narrow but the truckers must decide
It’s a long way from Ontario to New Jersey and a drive thru Province and State
If the trip could not be made some costly changes would make the buyer wait
One solution might be cutting the load in two
But at a cost of many thousands it made favour with but few
The rules can change along the way and the authorities can cause you grief
A driver with huge driving skill, gift of gab and energy would give some relief
The company felt only one man could do the chore
Casey was his name and he was always successful on all his drives before
One warning truck in front and one behind,
plus enough papers and permits to blow your mind
The big load left with Casey in control of it
Thru Customs and borders where one would hardly think it would fit
In the States Highway Patrol checked him out
But smooth talking Casey got rid of their doubt
Ten miles from the New Jersey border with all going well
One last officer questioned its size and all hope fell
Poor Casey was ordered to enter a truck inspection station
While he only wanted to go onto his destination
But Casey is a lucky man the load on the truck was too big to enter
It would have to be left on the highway outside the center
Officer he strongly argued if something happens to this load out here you will be responsible
A valuable load, so close to the border, please let us continue, you can make it possible
The officer was shaken by possibility of liability he might be taking
Casey get your load across that line before I change the decision I am making
Casey wasted no time in covering the miles
You can believe at the final destination he brought a few smiles
They say all is well
That ends well
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John Talman
John Talman
