A Firefighter's Mom

My son begins and ends his day
Like every other son
Except as a fire fighter
His day is never done

The volunteer has no “shift”
He’s on twenty-four hour call
Never knowing exactly when
The tones are going to fall

He’s up and dressed, still half-asleep
Now heading for his gear
Each time I hear that backdoor slam
My heart is filled with fear

Is it a fire in someone’s home?
A car wreck down the block?
A medical emergency?
With life counting down the clock?

Or is it just a false alarm
Someone’s human error?
All these calls, you must believe
Still fill my heart with terror

Fire is a living thing
Is breathes a chilling breath
And reaches out so hot and mean
To cause untimely death

Yes, my sons a fireman
His life is always on the line
But I know he loves his job
And I pray he will be fine


- Unknown Author