That blasted alarm blared a deafening roar.
I leaped from my bed, down the hole in the floor.
A familiar old memory echoed my mind.
I chased away thoughts I did not want to find.
We screeched to a stop at an old vacant site.
The building engulfed, the flames burning bright.
Our squad was assembled, each person in range.
A system we follow, and don’t ever change.
The ground started shaking from a powerful blast.
The heat was intense with the glow that it cast.
As a woman ran out with fire on her clothes,
my instincts took over, my adrenalin rose.
I tackled and rolled her around in the dirt.
I smothered the flames out before she got hurt.
She was screaming, “My son, my son is inside!”
I turned towards the danger, again we collide.
My prevailing thought now on the son I had lost.
I must save this boy, no matter the cost.
Without giving heed to the system we run,
I burst through the door, my search had begun.
The fury of the flames was laced full of fear.
I yelled my boy’s name then listened to hear.
The beams began bending, I felt the floor crack.
The black stench of smoke gave a daunting attack.
I found an old freezer, my hand grabbed the door.
A chill pierced my spine, I had been here before.
As I lifted the lid, he lay perfectly still.
The same way I found my ten-year-old, Bill.
I had struggled to forget that horrible sight.
In the heat of the battle I was frozen with fright.
But he opened his eyes as if back from the dead.
“Have you seen my Mom?” he then quietly said.
I grabbed up that boy and held on so tight,
ran out through the flames, we timed it just right.
The ceiling caved in as we dove through the door.
A Mom’s prayer was answered to see him once more.
Stretched out on the ground, my mind wasn’t there.
I was off in my world full of guilt and despair.
Tears filled my eyes, everything was a blur.
Then softly I heard the kid say, “Thank you, sir.”
“Billy said you would come, to not be concerned.
If I hid in that box, I wouldn’t get burned.”
I still have those moments I question God, “Why?”
Why innocent people sometimes have to die?
The answer eludes me, but through this I’ve found,
comfort in knowing his spirit’s around.
I’ll keep fighting fires, that’s just what I do.
That blasted alarm just rang, Déjà Vu.
Author notes
My brother-in-law and step-son are both firefighters. I wrote this for them. The rhymes dictated the story, I had no idea where it was going when I started.
In a list
A contest entry
- *I AM SICK OF LIMITED WRITING* FORTY LINES OR MORE!!!* by Tweedle Dee.
1330 points, ended January 15, 15 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Looking for Crickets 4 by Celticmoon.
1750 points, ended January 23, 13 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - 5 Options for the Creative Poet (25) by bananasfoster42.
765 points, ended January 3, 15 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Favorites? by L3vity.
1000 points, ended February 23, 13 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 22 of 22
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hmmm.......ok???
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I mean no offense but this is a story not a poem in my opinion. To me a poem is a story in a sense but one that is shorter and leave openings for the reader's mind to travel in any possible direction. You here have purposely directed the reader's mind to EXACTLY where you want it to go to SEE what you want it to see, what you want it to FEEL. A poem leaves these things open for the reader to move where ever they are destined to go.
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exactly
I have been telling people I don't write poetry, I write stories that rhyme. That is my exact intention, so thanks for the confirmation. My only challenge is what to call them. People draw feelings from their own experiences, though the story may be quite specific, the reactions to the story have been all over the map. Each seeming to be drawn to different parts. I appreciate your comments, I see exactly how you feel, I don't feel exactly like you do, you see? .... okay, my lame attempt at humor. thanks for your time - Kevin
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THIS IS AMAZING!! the imagery had me in the firefighter's shoes, it flowed well and told such a touching story. thanks for the entry!
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thanks
i was right there with you hanging on every word... each rhyme dictated the nest line, I had no idea where it was going. thanks for your enthusiasm - Kevin
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It's odd that I also entered a fire fighter poem. Yours hits home though! Spectacular writing all the way through. Like me, I did not know where mine would go also, until it was done. Great writing!
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cool
isn't that a cool way to write... I love it when that happens. I will go check yours out shortly - Kevin
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I was pleased to see ...
that this poem made the finalists list as it is a poem with a story that reads quite nicely. I loved the title that you chose and the way that the story flowed was just right. Thanks for sharing it and it is a great tribute to those who risk their lives so others can live. Bravo! j
y
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thanks
for the "bravo" - the first I think I've gotten... I like it.. thanks for your time - Kevin
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I loved reading that. Firefighters to me are amazing people. A very fitting tribute.
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thanks
for your time to read and review. I appreciate it very much - Kevin -
Thanks,
this was an interesting piece I let the rhymes dictate where the story went, I was just as surprised as if I were reading it. thanks for your time - Kevin
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So easy to read, lovely flow and effortless rhyme. I enjoyed this piece and found it a great tribute to the brave firefighters that so often place their own lives in danger to save others. Good luck in the contest.
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Thank you very much
for your thoughtful review - kevin
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AH very creative
AND BONE TINGLING. I rather enjoyed this. Cause the beginning lines were catching and i had no idea what it was going to turn into. It's also very honorable to all the hero's out there. I think my favorite part was when you found him in the freezer..ect...BUT GOOD JOB DEARY. have a wonderful christmas and day!
----Dum.
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thanks
this was a fun write because I didn't know where it was going either. take care - Kevin
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Your rhythm and rhyme are to be envied! The story and poetry complimented each other. My pleasure to read. Shancy.
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thanks
no really, it was my pleasure to have you read......... really, thanks - Kevin
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I love this! It was actually an original piece of writing! Good job.
I'll place you in the finals.
Good luck, and God Bless.
Dee
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thanks
I really appreciate that. - Kevin
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Wow ! This took my breath away - and I felt the goosebumps on my arms. This was awesome. Well done!
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wow
what a cool compliment for a writer to get that kind of reaction... thanks for sharing - Kevin
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