Author - Claude Jones
Submitted By -CATCHIN' DUTY
What, no power, no lights at all?
We'll be right out, thanks for your call
A glance at the clock, gosh it's two at night
There's thunder and rain, and lightning so bright
I call my partner, his number I know
I hear him say, "tell me it ain't so"
It's true I say, open your eyes
This ain't the bullroom, I'll tell you no lies
Who hid my jeans, my shirt, my boot
They're all over the house, and I've got to scoot
That cloud sounds bad, my wife's awake
"It's too bad to go, stay home for my sake"
But I'm on duty, it's my turn to go
So I'm out the door, boy, feel the wind blow
Ten miles to travel, to get one house back on
It's sure wet and slick, hear the tires moan
The radio crackles, and I bet I know why
Lightning is flashing, just look at that sky
The three phase is dead, I bet the sub just went out
Should we run try the breaker, or ride the line and scout
We'd better take a look, it is probably a tree
Or it could be a pole down, or maybe two or three
We better call some help, we'll need it I know
We'll have to flash the line, to make the fault show
The weathers getting worse, we'll be out all the night
With hard hat and rain suit, and this old flashlight
We'll work however long it takes, to get the power hot
It want be simple or easy, and we'll really have to trot
We'll ground the line, and work safe and clear
For there is no second chance, to be found out here
Climb poles, cut trees, splice and sag the wire
We've got to get it right, so there's no fire
It takes dedication, a quick mind and strong arm
Teamwork and communication, work without alarm
We'll get the job done, whatever it may take
Keeping in our minds, it's our own lives at stake
Now the line is back up, and we're in the clear
"Line is hot and holding, is what we want to hear"
We'd now like to go home, to eat and rest and shower
But it's time to go to work, it's our regular hour
Though sleepy and tired, our feelings we will hide
And still do our work with the same care and pride
Here the verse must end, but really there is no finish
There is always the duty, and the lines to replenish.
Claude Jones
Pontotoc Electric Power Association
P. O. Box 718
Pontotoc MS 38863