A True Hero

Smoldering heat consumed his body
But still, he went on.
Fire and debris blocked his path,
But still he pushed on.
Screams of pain and cries of fear filled his ears,
But he could do nothing for them.
They were lost, just like the others were gone,
The others just above.

He continued searching, searching for a life to save,
But only finding death.
Smoke continued to poison his lungs,
But, still, he continued on.

Walking, pushing, trying to see,
Until finally, a light in the darkness.
One still alive, but lost in confusion.
He grabbed him like a father to son
And carried him with tremendous strength,
Tremendous heart,
Tremendous courage.
Through the flames, through the fear,
Down, down, down. Will it ever end?
Until finally they were free.

The pale sunlight filtered through the billowing smoke,
But still, it felt warm and peaceful.
In the fear, in the sheer terror,
He became a tower of strength.
As he ran with a life on he shoulders,
He became Life.
As he pushed on with determination,
He became Strength.
As he cared for a perfect stranger,
He became Love.

He didn't feel like it,
But he was a hero.
He was a fearless hero.
He will always be remembered,
Or so they say.

The damage was done, but his spirit was not broken
It never will be.

In loving memory and gratitude for New York's
Police and Fire department on September 11, 2001.