My throat burns
As I suck smoke-filled air
Into my tired lungs.
My feet are as heavy as lead bricks
Dragging along beneath me.
But I turn around
Back inside to save one more life.
My heart plummets
As I witness the scene before me.
I know I cannot save everyone
But duty and compassion require me to try.
Later they will call me a hero,
But as I stand in the cold September sun,
I do not feel like a hero.
I am numb to everything but exhaustion.
Only, perhaps I feel some pride
As I strive to save one more life of one more
Daughter or son.
I know there are many more daughters and sons
That I cannot save.
But maybe one can make a difference
In the minds of their families
And the world.
