FIRE STATION

One of the greatest adventures
in our nation,
is to step inside
a fire station.

You never know
just what you'll find.
The workers there
are brave, gentle and kind.

   This poem is written for Vince, a new friend I met at CalTech in Pasadena.  He asked for a poem about fire engines.  This isn't quite that, but it is what came to mind as I was thinking fire engines.  When I was a young girl, my teacher used firemen to teach me how to print the number five.
  The fireman slides down his pole, 
then he circles around town 
to get to the fire.  
When he gets to the bottom, 
he realizes he forgot
to put his hat on so 
he goes back to the station
to put his hat on top.

  Did you learn how to write the number five with two strokes this way?
  Have you ever visited a fire station?  Do you know why fire engines are red?  Do you know what trait dalmatians have that makes them an excellent fire house dog?
  Last week I was in Alexandria, Virginia and I saw pink fire engines racing through the streets.  I'd never seen pink fire engines before.  I liked that.
  Now it is your turn.  Can you write a poem today about fire, fire engines, fire fighters, or fire stations?  May your words be aflame to write this poem.  Have fun.

A children's poem is like a piece of chocolate, you never know what you'll find inside.