Voices Crying in the Wilderness

I hear the baby cry

I see the mother fall

I hear the addict

Screaming from the hall…

….

I hear the roar

I feel the flames sear

My gut clenches

My soul gripped with fear

….

I hear the veteran whisper

I feel his soulful cry

As he holds his pistol in hand

While I beg him NO, Why?!

….

Every blow strikes my center

As the voice pleads in my ear

I feel the pain, the agony

I experience the paralyzing fear

….

Gripping the cradle

Fingers clamped white

As the units in my ear

Respond to end the fight

….

Every cry, each blessing, every visceral blow

Lands first on my ear, my soul, my heart

Before ever the physical help arrives

But I know I have played my part

….

I save lives daily, help where I am able

Laugh with new mothers, Counsel those in need

Send the cops, the paramedics, the engine of red

While my voice is but a whisper in weeds

….

I am the FIRST first responder

I answer the call

Listen to the problems

As you pray on deaf ears not to fall

….

(I AM) 9-1-1

What is the location of your emergency?