Author's note: This was written exactly nine years ago today, in response to 9/11; it's a bit dark. I joined our local fire department that year as a volunteer which, along with writing, served as an outlet to the tragedy. The "two figures" could be any fire fighters, but they were initially Johnny and Roy in my mind.
Devil's Advocate
He watches from the shadows
As the fire trucks pull in
He trembles at the sight of it
And revels in the sin
The captain steps out and brings
The radio to his mouth
They race to hook the hoses up
And put the fire out
The men look small from his hiding place
He feels the addictive thrill
The wave washes over him
The power of the kill
Two figures catch his eye right now
They don their heavy gear
They're going in despite the flames
With danger drawing near
He imagines he's inside with them
He almost has to know
Who are these men who place their lives
Where devils fear to go…
They make it out, no time to spare
They stagger to the street
The heroes fall upon the ground
Succumbing to the heat
They anger him, defying his plan
To witness their demise
He curses at their brotherly bond
They help each other rise
He watches from the shadows
With a sickening evil grin
And trembles at the sight of it
He will be back again
The end.