Trial by Fire
by Lichen Throat

Summertime’s coming, and I need a job,
Something outside, away from the urban mob.
See an ad from the Forest Service;
Job looks fun, but it makes me nervous.
Hire me to the job to which I aspire;
Feel I’m ready for a trial by fire.

Weeks of training with the fire crew
They’ve been showing us what to do.
End every day covered in sweat and ashes,
So we’ll be ready when the lightning flashes.
Got a shovel, axe, and fireproof attire,
Not sure I’m ready for a trial by fire.

There’s a fire burning up at Wheeler Peak,
On the north slope, just past Placer Creek.
We’ll have to hold it at the fire line
Or it’ll burn 80 square miles of pines.
My hair is singed, and I’m deathly tired,
But I’m going to make it through this trial by fire.