Wasn’t it only yesterday
You were a little boy at play?…
Fair haired and wide eyed
Staying close to your mother’s side
But even at the age of three
You did always seem to be
Older and wiser than your years
At ease with your elders as well as your peers
The little man at the grown-ups’ party
You were always quite a smarty
“I know your game” you said to Stu
Though he was ten times bigger than you
You were cute enough to make us cry
In your dinner suit and bow tie
On our wedding day, a little man
Who knew then you’d have a plan
To become a hero, that you’d aspire
To one day train to fight fire?
While some kids by fun or money are blinded
You were totally single-minded
And set out to fulfil your dreams
Which is often harder than it seems
But you weren’t put off, your plans you laid
To get into the fire brigade
Then faced every trial and test
And came out shining with the best
And now, through true grit and determination
You’re about to find your true vocation
A fireman, you’ve made it Tom
You’ve come such a long way from
The little boy that we once knew
We all are so proud of you
I’m sure that you’ll be strong and brave
And many lives you’ll live to save
But Tom, this little plea I’ll share
Please at all times take great care
Stay safe and well, and have a ball
You should be able to have it all
On the dangers, I don’t want to harp
So I’ll end with this, God bless, Tom Sharp!

© Joanne Ross 6.7.07