That Engine’s Roar

I watched as the taillights disappeared once again

as you turned onto the main highway

I heard that diesel engine roar

Shifting gears, taking you away

I answered the call from your dispatch

and I handed you the phone

I heard your half of the conversation

knowing soon, I would again be alone

I watched you pack your bags

of all the things you would need to take along

your thoughts already on the road

in your thoughts, you were already gone

I watched the taillights disappear, yet again

as you turned onto the main highway

I heard the sifting gears and the engine roar

taking you so far away

I’ll keep the home fire burning

a light in the window will show

that I will forever love you

no matter how far you may go

I’ll listen for the phone to ring

waiting to hear your voice

knowing this life you live

is by necessity, not by choice

the road a jealous mistress

a siren’s call of lore

not content on the time it has

always cruelly demanding more

I watched those tail lights disappear

when you turned on the main highway

shifting gears and that engine’s roar

once again, taking you away.