David Pike

I am a Fireman, an extract by Kevin Wright.

How many times were you asked? “I bet you've seen some things being a fireman?”
Yes I have! I’ve seen life in the raw and just how precious it is to most.
I’ve seen death in all its horror and the lengths that some go to achieve it.
I’ve seen laughter so contagious that it’s drawn me in and left me with sides fit to split and gasping for breath.
I’ve seen tears shed by hundreds, many of joy, but far too many through sorrow and pain.
I’ve seen parents lose their children, siblings lose each other, children lose parents, and so so many lose pets.
I’ve seen children saved, siblings save each other, parents saved and beloved pets returned to fretful owners.
I’ve seen mouths open wide, but no noise heard, where some poor soul is just empty.
I’ve seen grown men acting like children playing and joking only to see the same men later coughing and choking!
I’ve seen the dawn come up through a smokey haze more times than I care to remember.