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TRIBUTE TO THE NEW YORK FIREFIGHTERS
Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs via Edmonton Sun ^ | October 3, 2001 | Attributed to Jim McGregor, quoted by Graham Hicks

Posted on 10/03/2001 6:07:08 AM PDT by Clive

"Keep climbing," says the captain. "Up through the smoke and smell."

 "Keep climbing," says the captain. "I think I heard somebody yell."

 "Keep climbing," says the captain. "Alive or dead, not ours to tell."

 "Keep climbing" calls the captain. "Forget about your pain."

 "Keep climbing," shouts the captain. "We have a few more floors to gain."

 "Keep climbing," yells the captain, "We'll bring them down again."

 "Keep climbing," cries the captain. "If I can, so can you."

 "Keep climbing," orders the captain. "Right now I need the best from you."

 "Keep climbing," screams the captain. "Forget about those sounds.

 "It's just some girders twisting, and some concrete falling down."

"Keep climbing," prays our captain. "Eyes raised, heading for the top.

 "And when you're tired and feel like quitting, remember them. They didn't stop."

 "Keep climbing," whispers the captain. "Climb up to that light.

 "Right up to that sunshine. No smoke to smell, no fire to fight."

 "Keep climbing," sings the captain. "That angel's hand will lead the way.

 "Rest now," sighs the captain. "You did your job today."

 (When you dry your tears ... the poem is attributed to Jim McGregor, read at a memorial service held during a recent Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs convention.)


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous
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1 posted on 10/03/2001 6:07:08 AM PDT by Clive
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To: Clive
Thanks, Clive. I'm sitting here at my desk crying. That was beautiful.
2 posted on 10/03/2001 6:33:11 AM PDT by Tennessee_Bob
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To: Clive
This poem should be read at all negotiating meetings when firemen have to request wages. What a beautiful and tearful tribute to the bravest public servants on earth. Great post..
3 posted on 10/03/2001 6:42:11 AM PDT by chatham
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To: chatham
awesome! Only after reading it twice did I pay attention to the verbs used to describe the Captain's voice. (Says, Orders, Screams, Whispers, etc, culminating with "Sings")

Thanks for sharing this.

4 posted on 10/03/2001 6:46:59 AM PDT by Carlucci
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