Across the Flickering Flames
by Michael Doyle

Following the path inside the shadow,
Footsteps led to breathing shallow.
The smoke filled the last hallway,
Still, courage called along the way.

To save the next life was what truly mattered
The rising heat causes windows to be shattered.
Pushing forward, knowing only to wholly persist,
Each fireperson knows that they must assist.

Across the flickering colored flames,
I read a brave hero's scroll of names.
All the firemen who live, filled with purpose
Each who breathed their last in the name of service.

God lingers there watching in the shadows,
Watching the embers as they caused some to swallow.
Knowing that to save lives might cost their own,
But they will not allow any others to die alone.

Rest now, your battles done, my fallen brothers.
You gave your all that you might save others.
There is no greater love than to give your death,
Offering courage and hope to your very last breath.

Across the flickering colored flames,
I read a brave hero's scroll of names.
All the firemen who live, filled with purpose
Each who breathed their last in the name of service.

In all ages, brothers and sisters have done their part,
Each of them knew their chances from the fire's start.
Rest easy, firepersons, you have answered your last call
Met with a courage that was at least 10 feet tall.

Adrenaline and excitement burn crimson into the night.
Geared up, the firefighters engage in their noble fight.
Those who have passed away were too young to have died,
I've kept this truth inside as I have prayed and cried.

Across the flickering colored flames,
I read a brave hero's scroll of names.
All the firemen who live, filled with purpose
Each who breathed their last in the name of service.

(c) May 2, 2026   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved

This weekend is kept in remembrance of all the 
firefighters who have died fighting so that others 
may still live. May God bless them and those who
love them and have been left behind. My sister was
fighting wildfires in Kansas two weeks before
succumbing to breast cancer that took her life.
I miss my best friend more than I know how to say.