Buckled metal, broken concrete
Smoke filled air, I saw you there
A man in uniform, shield aglow.

Tattered clothes, bloody hands
A lifeless body held so close
A man in pain, going back again.

You gently lay your partner down
Turned in sorrow to seek another
Into the smoke filled air and blazing fire.

You hear a scream you respond
Tearing rubble with bare hands
Reaching into the unknown.

A pain racked body you did find
You carry him through the acrid smoke
To a place he will not choke.

One more trip to search again
For the brother, sister, father or mother
Your life you give that day for another.

Your body lying on the fresh charred ground
Hand outstretched to the one you had found
Your shield lay glowing on the bloodstained earth.

You were a hero on that fateful day
When the planes came to take you away
The lives you saved . . . for you will pray.

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