People often recognize us for the work we do
Usually they're grateful and they look up to us too
We feel a sense of purpose when we read letters they send
Thanking us for doing jobs they don't quite comprehend
They read about our lifestyle and the dangers of our work
But they don't always know how our job can drive us berserk
We don't all feel like heroes, especially not every day
When we feel like we've failed it doesn't just go away
We do a lot of good and we work hard while saving lives
Yet often we're haunted by thoughts of those who DON'T survive
Sometimes we lose our lives or get burned while fighting the flames
And yet the worst pain we know is likely that of self-blame
We win some fights and lose some but the stakes can be so high
It's not easy to lose when it means good people might die
More frightening than the fire is the wreckage left behind
But that's why we keep fighting, keeping our purpose in mind
(Written in about 30 minutes for someone by request.)
