Flames

In the midst of night,the alarm did sound,

A call to arms, where hope was drowned.

With sirens wailing, we raced through streets,

To face the flames,where fear defeats.

A house engulfed in a fiery blaze,

The heat intense, a smoky haze.

Through the smoke, a cry so faint,

A child's plea, my heart did paint.

I donned my gear, with purpose clear,

To find the child, to quell the fear.

Through burning beams and walls that groan,

I fought my way to the danger zone.

The air was thick, the flames did roar,

Each step I took, the heat I bore.

And there I found him, small and frail,

A little boy, his face so pale.

I scooped him up, held him tight,

Against the searing, blinding light.

I whispered words, of comfort soft,

As I carried him, aloft.

But fate was cruel, the fire too fierce,

My efforts failed, my heart did pierce.

The roof gave way, we were trapped,

In a hellish glow, my spirit sapped.

I shielded him, with all my might,

Hoping to keep him from the night.

But as the flames consumed our space,

I felt the end, saw his face.

A single tear, on soot-streaked cheek,

His eyes closed slowly, oh so meek.

I screamed in pain, for all I'd lost,

A life too young, a soul the cost.

We found ourselves in silence, still,

The flames had taken all their fill.

And as I held him, lifeless, cold,

The weight of failure, bitter, bold.

I did my best, I fought the fire,

But sometimes fate is dark and dire.

A fireman's heart, both brave and torn,

Mourning a child, a promise sworn.

In the ashes, I left my soul,

For a little boy, who paid the toll.

And though I live, I'll never be whole,

For in that fire, I lost control.