The Final Exam (Repost from previous)

The class was over, and though it was tough,
They continued to teach us as it were never enough.

Some had said the final was not the last,
They spoke as if they knew this from their very own past.

They spoke of a jake, who thought he was done,
When training was over he could begin to have some fun.

It was late at night, some five years from then,
The jake was startled from sleep, by a still for engine 10.

It's always been false, and I'll be right back
He put on most gear, but not an airpack.

As 10 rounded the corner, the Lou said fire showin', fill out the box,
The jake was not ready, he had no tools for the locks.

The people were screaming, screams he won't forget,
It's that he was not ready, is what he regrets.

The people were lost, in this tragic fire
He was burned pretty badly, and had to retire.

He doesn't sleep well, his nightmares are great
He hope new recruits will listen before it's too late.

Never stop learning, try to do more,
You don't know what will greet you when you leave the bay door.

The learning doesn't end, until you retire
Make sure you are ready for your next fire.

Your training was tough, and pushed you , your instructors were fair
After years on your job, you might wish you were back there.

Stay safe, stay healthy, look out for one other
It wasn't your last exam, I'm sure there will be another,


Be prepared, stay sharp, for you, your family and your sisters & brothers.


Pete Lamb
Copyright 2013