My husband Charley and I are concerned about the state's move to cut back on our firefighters and police. I hope this will remind folks and the state of California just how much we depend on them and that firefighters and police should be the last group facing budget cuts, if any.
Dedicated to grandson Jeremy Smith, LAFD firefighter, and his colleagues. Words cannot fully express how proud we are of them.
High up on a hilltop to better see the skies Our revered Mt. Wilson, the observatory, lies Now with fires surrounding it, devouring brush that’s dry Scopes view lunar ‘scape on earth, not up in the sky
The fire is burning everywhere, devouring what’s in its path Moving in all directions, no boundaries for its wrath Steep ancient canyons of granite, intensify the blaze And keep the demon burning for far too many days.
Fire rages through the dusty hills, flames like a giant candle, Marching down the canyons, more difficult to handle Creating giant mushroom clouds, some gray, some white as snow Casting eerie surreal shadows in the fire’s orange glow.
As angry fire brave firefighters struggle to contain We watch from a distance, increasing prayers for rain While they create “backfires” to keep the fire at bay “Fighting fire with fire” to save homes a different way
Each day while fighting fires, their lives are on the line They put themselves in jeopardy, to save what’s yours and mine The debt we owe them all can never be repaid So remember what they’ve done and just what they’ve saved.
Let’s give them all as much support as we possibly can And let them know we appreciate every woman and man Who serve our communities and come help us when we call. Our firefighters deserve the best, for they give their all.
Dr. Hoult may be contacted at HOULTight@aol.com
