03/12/2024
Five years ago, remembering Adam.
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I always fall back on this one when I know we have lost a good firefighter. I first heard it read at the memorial service for the Worcester Six almost twenty years ago. The author is unknown, but if you've been there, it doesn't matter. I didn't know him as well as many, but I'm guessing that those who knew him well would say he embodied this. He's with all of you that he taught...
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Brother when you weep for me
Remember it was meant to be
Lay me down and when you leave
Remember I'll be at your sleeve
In every dark and choking hall
I'll be there as you slowly crawl
On every roof in driving snow
I'll hold your coat and you will know
In cellars hot with searing heat
At windows where a gate you'll meet
In closets where young children hide
You know I'll be there at your side
The house from which I now respond
Is overstaffed with heroes gone
Men who answered one last bell
Did the job and did it well
As firefighters we understand
That death's a card dealt in our hand
A card we hope we never play
But one we hold there anyway
That card is something that we ignore
As we crawl across a weakened floor
For we know that we are the only prayer
For any one who might be there
So remember as you wipe your tears
The joy I knew throughout the years
As I did the job I loved to do
I pray this thought will see you through.
