FIRE, FIRE Fire destroyed a lifetime of me Black smoke we couldn't see I feel naked of memories I could touch Nothing to hold on to, it's a bit much Thankfully we all got out alive Now we have to survive Our home for 47 years Destroyed brings tears Salvage something I think all the time Reality sets in I'm not in my Prime I'm doing my best to cope Slowly I'm losing hope Reconstruction will take some time Seems like a mountain I can't climb I pray my family will not stop Until they reach the top.
Your family has certainly had more than their share of tragedy in the past year or so, Tony. I'm so sorry for the loss of your home, and so glad that no one was injured in that fire. Glad to see you writing poetry again.
Thank you poetry just pops in my head when my emotions get high I can't explain it but I have to write it down.
@Tony Page A long-time friend here lost their home and everything in it about the same time you did. They were in their 70s and got out seconds before the propane tank on their outside grill exploded and blasted clear through the house. It looked like a war zone. I am glad you have a wonderful talent for poetry. It is such a great outlet.
When the flames burned out and the ambers grew cold, and the smoke cleared There was nothing but charred wood and melted plastic just as they feared Then investigators and adjusters sifted through the ashes counting up the cost The number was high but since Tony and his family got out, it wasn't a total loss When the rubble was pushed up for removal in a blackened dome The house was lost forever, but with family alive, they still had a home
Faye, Excellent poem, so very true. I always felt that things that happening in your life change your character and memories, some good some bad. My experience with the fire tells me how unimportant material things are, yet deep down inside I'm saddened with a fear that I'll never be able to hear my cherish music, or see the videos I made, or find my 70 years worth of photographs. I know these are just things but they're meaningful to me, I will see if I can salvage anything. Thoughts of things swirling around in my head that maybe lost forever, each having its own story, which eventually I'd like to tell.
I will be excited to hear those stories. I would be lost if my place burned because so much of what I have is things I have made that I can't make again. I need to get my photos and videos saved online somewhere. I sure hope you can salvage your videos, music, and photographs, at least a few of them. With one of my friend's houses burning and then yours, it made me realize how important it is to have my cell phone with all my ID and credit card by my bed at night. I have always kept my clothes nearby and can get them on in record time. I am so pleased that all of you got out.
The only advice I can give in case of a fire is to have a duffel bag (ready to go bag) with some change of clothes, any information or phone numbers you need, information you may want to keep in the bag is insurance policy numbers and information about services like alarm systems, cable TV, etc. have this stuff ready to go. Most important is have your prescription drugs where you can grab them and go also, day after the fire we had to run around to doctors to get out prescriptions refilled. Fortunately today a lot of our information is in our cell phones so it's important to make sure you take that with you when you leave the house.
I worry that hubby sleeps upstairs and I sleep down. There was a time I could help him down the stairs, or at least drag him but not so much now. I have my glasses, phone and wallet in my coat pockets which is near my bed. My insurance guys take care of my issues and numbers.
You have to consider your circumstances and what's best for you, however I can tell you from the time we smelt like something was burning to the time the room the fire started in was completely engulfed was between 6 and 10 minutes, by our estimates. Fire travels fast, my daughter grabbed a fire extinguisher which we keep handy but it was too late it was just best to get out of there.