Pager goes off in the middle of the night
I jump up heart racing,
Ready for a fight.

Racing down the empty streets
Wondering what I’m getting myself into.
Who’s mother father daughter or brother,
Am I going to save tonight.

Pull into the parking lot, putting my car in park.
I throw the door open racing into the garage.
Pulling my shoes off as I go.
Getting myself ready, despite the lack of sleep.

Psyching myself up ready to do my job.
We respond balls to the walls,
Lights flashing, sirens blaring.
Pulling on scene with the bravest I know.
We do the jobs that nobody else wants to.

Running into a blazing building.
Or squeezing into a crushed car.
Breathing in toxic fumes,
Using tools able to crush bones.
The lack of safety to ourselves is amazing.

Holding the hand of an elderly woman,
Or comforting the cry of a baby boy.
Trying to get a man’s heart to beat,
Knowing nothing will work.

Seeing people in the worst of times,
Doing what we do no matter the cost.
Helping those in need of saving
And saving those who need help.

Treating strangers like they are family,
Sometimes means biting our tongues.
Wanting to tell them off
For a stupid decision that may have just cost a life.