A Fireman Writes

They breathe the same air, that's the worst of it.
They leave it wet, you can smell their exudate,
You can hear their castanets, their soft suede shoes
Subverting carpets, abominating teaspoons,
Gnawing the blood supply.
They are always at it, they are worshipping worms
And turtles, worshipping spinning tops, safety pins,
Perverting electricity.
They are always at it, never stop.
Eating prawns, and pretzels, and bitumen,
Yes, and hogs, and babies.
Tolerance? Listen!
Arsonist to fire department:
"Tolerance. Live and let live."

Publication details: This poem "A Fireman Writes" was first published when posted on the Internet on 2003 July 05 Saturday. Copyright © 2003 Hugh Cook. All rights reserved.