CLIMB HIGHER
A Tribute the New York City Firefighters
Keep on climbing, says the Captain, Up through the smoke and smell;
Keep on climbing, says the Captain, I think I heard somebody yell!
Keep on climbing, says the Captain, Alive or dead, Not ours to tell.
Keep on climbing, calls the Captain, Forget about your pain!
Keep on climbing, shouts the Captain, We have a few more stairs to gain.
Keep on climbing, yells the Captain, We will bring them down again.
Keep on climbing, cries the Captain, If I can so can you.
Keep on climbing, orders the Captain, Right now, I need your best from you.
Keep on climbing, screams the Captain, Forget about those sounds.
It’s just some girders twisting, and some concrete falling down.
Keep on climbing, whispers the Captain, Climb right up to that light!
Right up to that sunshine, No smoke to smell, no fire to fight.
Keep on climbing, sings the Captain, That angel’s hand will lead the way.
Rest boys, sighs the Captain, You did your job today.
Keep on climbing, prays Our Captain, Eyes raised, headed for the top.
And when you’re tired and feel like quitting, remember them, they did not stop.
Copyright Captain Jim McGregor-September 2001  Used with his permission.
Courtesy Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey www.ideaman.net  I recently visited Ground Zero in NYC and placed a copy of Jim’s poem on the walls that surround the site.