A Fire Fighter's Poem

Brother when you weep for me
remember that it was meant to be
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember that I'll be at your sleeve

In every dark and choking hall
I'll be there as you slowly crawl
On every roof in driving snow
I'll hold your coat and you will know

In cellars hot with searing heat
At windows where a grate you meet
In closets where young children hide
You know I'll be there at your side

The house from which I now respond
Is overstaffed with heroes gone
Who answered one last bell
Did the job and did it well

As fire fighters we understand
That death's a card dealt in our hand
A card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway

That card is something we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened floor
For we know we're the only prayer
For anyone that might be there

So remember as you wipe your tears
The joy I knew throughout the years
At the job I loved to do
I pray that thought will see you through