A Fireman's Tears

The alarm rang, as it had so many times before.

He was the first of the fireman up and out,

Awakened from his bed at the station

By the clanging of the bell.

As Engine 3 pulled out of the bay,

Dispatch paged another station.

And all the firemen aboard the truck

Were tensed with anticipation

"It's gonna be a nice 'un, boys,"

He said as he donned his gear.

And the young bucks smiled at him

As they drew ever near.

They turned onto his own street

And he could see the fire's work

He hoped their mother woke his kids

To see their dad at work.

His heart sank as he saw the home

That he so dearly loved

Going up in Smoke and flames

As he donned his gloves.

Agressively he hit the fire

And searched the rooms above.

And with a flare of personal vengeance

He saved what remained of his home.

As he left the world of flaming hell

He saw his little girl

He ran quickly to her side

and said "Honey, Daddy's here."

He would never forget what next she said

As he held her close,

"I love you, Daddy," she whimpered,

And he began to weep.

She died in his arms that night

The others, later on.

His comrades gave him their respects

but his family was gone.

He sits alone at the station, now,

There's no more spring in his step.

He stays detached from his fellows

to avoid once again being hurt.

He risks it all in fires, now,

No more concerns for his safety.

He has taken a solemn vow.

He won't let it happen to another, as long as he's around.

Author Unknown