A Fireman'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 the 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, it breathes a chilling breath.
And reaches out so hot and mean to cause untimely death.

Yes, my son's a fireman, his life is always on the line.
But I know he loves his job, and I pray he will be fine.

- Author unknown