Reader's Digest backcover photo,      November 2001 issue


The Fireman's Last Call
(c) 2001 Kalvere. All rights reserved.

He heard the first alarms
And he responded to the call
Just like any other day
He was prepared to give his all

In disbelief he saw the fire
Raining from the sky
He prayed, dear Lord, how will we fight
A fire up so high?

He rushed into the building
There were lives he hoped to save
He knew he had a job to do
The bravest of the brave

He climbed the darkened stairway
Rising further from the ground
Saying, "This way ... come down this way..."
He helped guide them safely down

While most people hurried downward
He continued his accent...
....And he ascended into Heaven...
Knowing not why he was sent

He stood beside The Father
As the towers tumbled down
"Lord, you have to send me back there
I am needed on the ground"

God said, "you have earned your place here
You have done your duty proud
You have just one final task
Before you lay your helmet down"

Now the firefighter understood
And answered this last call
And he stood beside his brothers
And he gave the job his all

The policemen walked beside him
They now understood their fate
And those in service from the Pentagon
Stood guarding Heaven's Gate

As the victims rose to Heaven
Through the skies of heat and smoke
He said, "This way ... come up this way..."
He helped guide them safely Home.

~~By Kalvere~~


My brothers and sisters ... my heart grieves ... my tears will not stop falling ... I understand why Heaven needed angels with helmets, and angels with badges ... you went where duty called. But I so wish you were still down here among us.

The American spirit that lived in your hearts was transferred from your bodies and all the other victims into ours, you have made us so much stronger. You live on, within us. We promise to keep that spirit alive for you, it's all that we can do. Your job is done,
you have answered your last alarm.

I will see you when I get there, and I'll want to shake your hand.
I never will forget the sacrifice you made.

Peace Out.
Kal

(c) Copyrighted to Kalvere. Please do not reproduce without author's permission. Kalvere is from Minnesota, and would welcome any comments at the following email address:
Kal The Rebel @ aol.com

Used with permission. If you see this poem anywhere without the author's name and copyright information, it is being used without the author's knowledge or consent.


Peg's note: I would like to thank Kalvere for allowing me to display this touching piece of his work here. If you would like to read more of his work, please visit his site at http://www.geocities.com/kaltherebel/



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Displayed in honor of Firefighters' Day, for Diva of the 'Net.