This poem was written after the death of firefighter Peter McLaughlin, it was dedicated to him... and the many other people like him. Although his act of bravery inspired this writing, there are many more like him in this world. I am sure that each of us are very THANKFUL for all of the past, and future, heroes that touch our lives every day...
TODAY WE PUT A BRAVE HERO TO REST
FOR GIVING HIS LIFE, WHILE HE WAS GIVING HIS BEST
HE COMPLETELY DEDICATED HIS SOUL TO SERVE
AND FROM THE FACE OF FEAR HE REFUSED TO SWERVE
HE CHARGED INTO DANGER WITH NO REMORSE
LETTING THE HAND OF DESTINY TAKE IT'S COURSE
AND ALL OF THE LIVES HE WOULD SOMEDAY SAVE
INCREASED THE VALUE OF THE ONE THAT HE GAVE
THE WORLD GREATLY NEEDED HIS COURAGE THAT DAY
AN EMPTINESS HAS JUST GROWN, NOW THAT HE'S AWAY
A LARGE VOID LEFT BEHIND BY PEOPLE JUST LIKE HIM
...AN ETERNAL LIGHT HAS JUST GROWN MORE DIM
FOR A HERO CROSSES LINES THAT FEW DARE TO NEAR
AN ATTRIBUTE THAT MAKES HIS GREAT VALUE SO CLEAR
AND AS WE NOW PRAY FOR HIM, WITH RESPECT AND LOVE
WE KNOW HE'S FOUND HIS REWARD... IN HEAVEN ABOVE
(C)BARRY S. MALTESE1995
