The Road That Couldn't Be Done

There is an anthology (CD) being done by those who have written songs about the Alaska Highway. Recording is in process and a couple of weeks ago I went and recorded a short (4 line) voice over for Barb Munro’s song, “97^th Regiment”.

            By the way, the 97^th Regiment of the US Army Engineers was one of several regiments who helped build the Alaska Highway. At the time enlisted within the 97^th where all black and may still be for all I know. Most were from the south and the winter of ’42-’43 was not a pleasant time for these young men.

            While I was at the studio I was asked if I knew someone with a poem or rhyme that would fit in with this anthology. I had to say no but thought it was a great idea and over the next few days wrote something. It wasn’t great but with some help and tweaking from Karen it turned out alright.

            Here it is.

The Road That Couldn’t Be Done

D.M. & K.L. McGowan

They came to build a road

That some said couldn’t be done

But they did it damn it and did it fast

And even had some fun

The US Army Engineers

Several regiments strong

Cut and slashed through timber

And laid it across the bogs

With local trappers, packers and guides

And with sightings to the sky

They found a way through passes

And over mountains where eagles fly

Civilians from all walks of life

From all across the land

From Labrador, Ontario

And down to the Rio Grande

They dropped them off at end of rail,

A place called Dawson Creek

A bunch of young eastern boys

Too excited to sleep

The final push to build it came

December seventh, Forty One

And before Christmas the following year

There laid the road that couldn’t be done.

Oh, and sure it was only a trail

With decades of work to be done

But now millions of travelers

Use the road that couldn’t be done.

I also have a couple of pics from back in the day …

Charlie Lake Store 1942

Fort St. John, 1942

Army Barracks, Fort St. John, 1943