(Image sourced from Google)

As the flames light up the skies
Smoke turning day to night
He wonders how much longer
He can keep up this fight

Sweat his hair has matted
Ash has dulled his skin
Though he is exhausted
He’ll not think of giving in

His body tired and aching
Every muscle sore
Eyes permanently bloodshot
Blistered hands and more

For weeks he’s fought this battle
With his mates there by his side
On the other side are strangers
Bonded now for life

He struggles with the knowledge
That his own home is under threat
While he fights to do his darndest
Another’s land to protect

He worries about his family
His loved ones and his friends
Those who’ve seen their livelihoods
Meet a hellish blazing end

He hears shouts around him
And he turns in time to see
The next wall of the inferno
Exploding through the trees

Fire breaks are unheaded
For this devil knows no bounds
Unprecedented power
Unearthly eerie sounds

Just in time the heavens open
Or so it may seem
As a plane drops its precious load
As water turns to steam

Exhaustion dogs him back to base
To go and get some rest
Another will take his place here
In turn, doing their best

He’ll be back out here tomorrow
Determined brave and strong
Yet fearful to discover
How much more is gone

Hi is not a lone hero
Like him, there are many more
These wonderful men and women
We are eternally grateful for.

Trish Johnston ©  2^nd January 2020