David Webb's blog: "Firefighters"

A Hero at a Glance
Smoke showing in the distance as the fire engine draws near,
You see the firefighter reaching to fasten his gear.



And to look at the firefighter after the job,
You see this man and think, "My what a slob!"


On top of his head is that ugly helment made of leather
That protects him fire and the coldest of weather.


It's bent and deformed. What shape really is true?
It stands as a proud symbol of the hell he's been through.


Covered with ashes, and sweat, ceiling plaster and more,
You wonder why he went through that smokey front door.


His facial expressions seemed to have changed in a split second or two,
At least a thousand times as he gave that Red Devil his due.


His face showed excitement, determination and fear,
Exhaustion and sadness and then even a tear.


You might now see him laughing, smiling, and joking,
But did you see him when he was coughing, gasping and choking?


You squirm as you see the mucus running from his nose,
Did you know this man had faced death on the end of the hose?


So as you look at the firefighter with his rake, hose or axe,
His beet red face or ice covered mustache,


You should know why he goes through that smokey front door,
And is forced to crawl like a baby down on the floor.


He does it to save both lives nd property,
All that is precious to you and to me.


So take a good look at this modern warrior who serves his call proud and true,
And know that he would die just to save me and you.


Robert J. Athans
FDNY/Rescue Co.3