The Volunteer Firefighter Poem by Julie King

Australia is at war with bloody red flames
burning our land until charcoal remains

The volunteer fireman, our hero and hope
Risks his life through the billowing smoke

Through the crackling intensity and dreadful smell
His eyes are straining as he pushes through hell

For a moment he pauses and gazes around
To see wildlife perishing - ash to the ground

Thirsty and shocked animals whimper with pain
He realizes our fauna will never be the same

The fireman now grabs his water to share
with the wounded koala in a state of despair

Shattered, the fireman stares up in vain
Willing the heavens to send down rain

Though weariness shows on his blackened face
He won't allow fatigue to slow down his pace