Firetrucks

Ma came in my room and put a pair of shoes on my feet It was hard to say if we would be returning so we should prepare to leave She took my hand and walked me through smoke and past the fire To see the real live firetrucks outside the house, how red they shine It will be fine. Now I enjoy camping in the woods every night and day, free of responsibility I brag about my permanent retreat from society Because I have nowhere else to sleep. When you get on train or boat, or you embark on a long walk on your own To a place you do not want to go And from which you may never return When you see everything around you burn You don’t cry and you don’t speak the worst out loud in words You learn to focus on a light, a beautiful firetruck, a tent’s glowing candle It makes the trip less difficult for us all to handle.