The Fire

[Stephen Whiteside]

The Fire

Mum and dad are frightened. I can see it in their eyes.
They're running fingers through their hair, and pointing at the skies.
The smoke is causing me to cough. The heat is most intense.
We'd all have cleared out yesterday, if we'd had any sense.

Well, that's what mum says. Dad says nothing. Frowns and bites his lip.
He's thinking hard, and trying not to let his feelings slip.
We're piling into dad's old truck. All toys must stay behind.
Well, maybe just my teddy bear. They can't be that unkind.

Teddy's frightened too, I know. He whispered in my ear.
I told him that I loved him, and I think it eased his fear.
It's just a big adventure. There's no need at all to cry,
And I'll explain it properly, in detail, by and by.

Teddy says he's very hot, so I removed his vest,
And now he feels embarrassed, but I said it's for the best.
It's only us that's seeing him. We know him very well,
And I'm sure that I will place it back upon him in a spell.

Now the truck is starting, and we're jolting on our way.
I don't think I have ever lived a more dramatic day!
I'm feeling frightened also, but I'm putting on a show.
I'm looking after teddy, and I don't want him to know.

Daddy's gripped the wheel so hard his knuckles have turned white.
The smoke is now so thick and dense the day has turned to night.
The heat is getting hard to bear. I think I glimpsed a flame.
We're working well together now, and no-one's seeking blame.

We're bouncing fast along the track, beneath a burning tree.
I've got my hands on teddy's eyes. I don't want him to see.
Daddy says if we can reach the highway, we'll be fine.
But will we? There's a shiver running up and down my spine.

I think the air has cleared a bit. The smoke is not as thick.
Put my dad behind a steering wheel, he's pretty slick.
We've reached the intersection, and we're turning on to tar.
A smile is peeping from mum's face. She reckons dad's a star!

The danger now is over, and I take my shielding hands
Away from teddy's eyes. I only hope he understands
I did it to protect him from a terrifying sight.
We're moving with the traffic now, and things will be all right.

We'll spend the night with grandma. It will be a lot of fun.
She'll offer me a soft drink and a slice of boston bun.
I'll save a piece for teddy, 'cause I know he likes it too.
What a scary day we've had but, hey! We've made it through!

Stephen Whiteside 09.01.2012

[Maureen K Clifford]

Reckon there might have been more than one scared teddy out there over the past few days Stephen. This would resonate with a lot of the kids, big and little. Well done

Cheers

Maureen

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Maureen.

[william williams]

good one Stephen kids are no different than adults we all need reassuring at times


Bill the old battler

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Bill. I guess kids need even more reassurance.