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Open Poetry #49
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The Trucker and the Woman
| Open Poetry #49 |
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The Trucker and the Woman |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana 
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I wrote this poem seven years ago. It has been on my mind ever since. I have decided to pick up at the end of the poem and write a novel about the little baby girl who is in her teenage years now. <><><><><><> Big rig driver made a stop that cold night, To top off with diesel and eat a bite, Headed to El Paso with a full load, On a south Texas dreary mountain road. She stood to the side of the cafe's door, He averted his eyes, thought her as trash. After his meal, he drank a cup of joe, He drank the coffee and paid what he owed. She was still there, bent against the cold wind, "Please, Mister," she said, "I just need a friend." He did a double take; she was with child, A desperate soul as she tried to smile. He loaded her up inside his warm cab, She said, "Thank you," and her stomach she grabbed. He went back inside for something to eat, She gobbled it up and said aren't you sweet. Now that she was there, what was he to do? He timidly asked her when are you due? She said there was no family or friends, No one in the world for her to depend. In the mountain range of Guadalupe, Her labor began, she asked him to pray. He pulled off the road and shut the rig down, It was much too far to get to a town. The baby was coming, it would not wait, Into the sleeper awaiting her fate, He tried to help, but it was just his luck, They were both stuck out there in his old truck. The blood soaked everything, even her screams, There was no water, not even a stream. The baby came and mother died on cue, How he got through it all he never knew. He held the squealing, bloody baby girl, And something inside him started to swirl. The babe started out, the odds against her, The blood-spattered child was only a cur. In El Paso he made all the right stops, Hospital for child, and they called the cops. Mother buried in potter's field so sad, He claimed the child, saying he was her dad. ©July 27, 2009 / Jerry Pat Bolton ~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~ |
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| © Copyright 2016 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Ari Squire Member Posts 488 In The Phallus Lane |
Intensely sad Jerry. As I progressed through your poem/story, I was looking, no, hoping for some kind of happy ending. But as you and I (and others) know, reality isn't fictional. Struck me in the solar plexus pal, well done. More feelings and fewer words please |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Thank you Ari , even though you were a mite disappointed I appreciate your thoughts . . . ~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~ |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
I remember this poem/story. Didn't he go back years later and meet the young lady he helpd deliver at birth? jo |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
No, Jo. He claimed the child as his own and raised her. I don't think I'm going to be able to write the novel. After 14 novels, and at age 77, I don't think I have the energy to get another one written. Thanks for your nice comments. ~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~ |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Hmm I must be remembering a different story. A good one an way.Jo |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
It's okay, Jo, I do that a lot myself. ~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~ |
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Cari Member Posts 411 Englnand |
It’s difficult turning a story into a poem but you have managed it well. Shame that the prose and short stories board is pretty redundant now; short story writing is an excellent prelude for anyone thinking of writing a full length novel Cari. |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Appreciate your thoughts, Cari. Some things, such as this poem, almost writes itself! ~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~ |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
At the risk of offending you I'm going to say very fine writing...James |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Why would you think I would be offended, James? ~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~ |
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JL Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128Texas, USA |
Jerry, my friend. You have a real tight story here. Easy read, and even more easy to visualize as I went from line to line, verse to verse, and city to city. Excellent, Jerry. JL  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Hey there JL! Good to see you back around, it's been awhile Thank you so much for your kind comments on my story/poem, I so do appreciate it. ~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~ |
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