"One Street" firehouse

Engine 5

the card tables empty
there was never a pole
bell and siren gone silent
squawking radios cold

volunteers with hoses
scaled ladders and roofs
boots, coats and Co. 5 helmets
tucked in closets at home

my dad's badge said captain
his engine bright red
my childhood spent hoping
for rides in that truck



The old fire station, Company 5 is now closed. It's been refashioned into a wonderful little museum with a vintage horse-pulled fire wagon and fire related memorabilia. In the past it was manned by local volunteers. My dad and brother were members of the company when the town was smaller and relied only on unstaffed stations. We have a central fire station now with full time firefighters and EMT staff. I can still remember the smell of the folded canvas hoses, the dark oiled wood floor at old Company 5. Best of all, the shiny red engine stood at the ready for lucky weekend rides with dad when he had to take her out for test drive around town.

For the Record,
This day came in overcast and colder. Faint blue skies fading to gray. There could be some wet snow on the way for tomorrow morning.