(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 © 2nd January 2020
