In the shadow of a church

you'll hear the neighbor praying

(recall primary school

you'll relate to what I'm saying)

In school we help build character

with smiles and high fives

"I'm going to be a firefighter!"

"Me too!" -- "I wanna save lives!"

Career Day -- badges and handcuffs

"When I grow up I'll do that!"

Field trip to fire station

back home with plans and red caps

Fire Safety -- time to teach

"Do NOT joke about burning flames!"

but some kids laugh all the way

then play with matches and on line games

Parents asking kids--

"How did you learn so much about sex?"

Kids asking parents--

"Why did you leave us such a mess?"

"Be Kind" and "Be Grateful"

teach the youth in school

at home it's "Get good grades" -- "Play hard!"

"Follow the Golden Rule."

Last Thursday early December

now homeless --- children --- mother

Bob rushes to the rescue

a tragedy like no other

Some wonder, "What the world needs now

is another ladder company hero --

another person who'll lend a jacket

when it's twenty below zero."

In the parks and on the diamond

slides the short stop in the line of duty

Potsdam youth cry ----- "Play ball!"

They say, "Thank you Bob & Trudy!"

A child is the seven year old version

of our future fire chiefs and cops

we hope they grow up and remember

good neighbors are near when life drops.

Rest Easy Chief

Thank you to all first responders and teachers...a village could use more heroes

Marc Porcaro

Potsdam Central School counselor