The Work of a Lineman

A 12-year-old’s ode to her grandfather’s work on the lines

Michael Delacerda, who works for Four County EMC, is the inspiration for his granddaughter's poem, "The Work of a Lineman."

Tanaleigh Smith is the 12-year-old granddaughter of Michael Delacerda, lineman for Burgaw-based Four County EMC. She submitted the following poem to the 2018–2019 National PTA Reflections Contest — with the theme “Heroes Around Me” — where it has placed first at her school, Charles P. Murray Middle School, as well as at the county level in New Hanover County. Her poem will next compete at the state level for a chance to compete at the national level.

By Tanaleigh Smith

You get the call late at night,
you have to lace your boots up tight.
The wires are down, the people need lights.

You kiss your family, you don’t feel like going,
the rain is pouring and the wind is blowing.

Long hours, hard work, and bad weather, you do it all.
The job is not easy, but it was your call.
Your boots are wet but still stand tall.

You wanted to be a lineman and climb the tall poles,
and making people happy is your main goal.

It takes pride, integrity, and a whole lot of guts,
and some may think that you’re quite nuts.

Linemen have a bond that is like no other.
It’s made by the hazards and dangers you face together.

You trust your pole buddy, you know he’ll be there,
to give you a hand up high in the air.

As you hook your boots to the pole in the sky,
the wire is big and the voltage high.
With God’s good grace, he won’t let you die.

When all of the work is done, and the day is through,
You go home to your families, and unlace the boots,
proud of what you do.

Thank a Lineman

Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 8. More than 15,000 electric cooperative lineworkers serve on the front lines of our nation’s energy needs, performing intricate work in dangerous conditions to ensure we receive the safe, reliable power we depend on.

On April 8, use the hashtag #ThankaLineman on social media — like twitter or facebook — to show your gratitude to North Carolina’s electric cooperative’s dedicated crews!

Comments (6)

Wow, what a great poem, very well done. I loved the humanity in her words. I also didn't miss the boots being laced in the beginning and unlaced at the end - genius. Made me think of my grandfathers who were coal miners in the late 1800's and those boots really connected it up for me.
Ralph Ross |
April 08, 2019 |
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Beautiful poem. Thank you linemen for keeping us lighted up
Lillian Porter |
April 09, 2019 |
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That is a wonderful poem. You can feel the love and respect in it that you have for your grandpa. I know he is so proud!
Gina Gore |
April 09, 2019 |
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I'm so proud of you Tana. You have always had a wonderful gift. I pray God will open some amazing doors for you. I love you .. Aunt Charlotte
Charlotte Smith |
April 09, 2019 |
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Beautifully written! Neighbor of your grandparents and my daughter went to school with their daughter Candace.
I know your grandfather felt all the love and admiration!!
Carol |
April 09, 2019 |
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I’m so proud of my Granddaughter Tanaleigh Smith
Jennifer Delacerda |
April 14, 2019 |
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The Work of a Lineman

A 12-year-old’s ode to her grandfather’s work on the lines