Beyond the Call

They all called him Smitty -- short for Fireman Smith.

       A warm regard for his fellowman, he was something of a myth.

A steady smile etched on his face and a heart as big as gold.

       the day this man was born -- they threw away the mold.

His days and nights committed; over ten years on the squad.

       And one helluva fireman at which he worked hard.

One night while pulling duty, the bell came in at eight,

       His rescue truck was soon in gear...like a filly at the gate.

Arriving on the scene, smoke billowing into space,

       Reaching for the Air Pac, slid the mask upon his face.

He dashed for the structure where a little child was trapped.

       Soon to be missed by his buddies, once the fire was capped.

Knocking down a door, the search team found their brother.

       His lifeless body next to the child’s; close to one another.

Soon it was discovered the heroic act that had taken place.

       For Smitty had used his mask to cover the breathing child’s face.