Half-Staff

The mayor’s flag is half-staff high;
A fireman has died.
The tears that will be shed today
Won’t be the first ones cried.

Not many people die at work,
But firefighters do.
A job like that is one that just
The bravest would pursue.

Their families are left to claim
The honor they deserve;
And those of us outside their realm
Respectfully observe.

A firefighter’s funeral
Fills everyone with sorrow.
That half-staff flag reminds us
We won’t all be here tomorrow.