The ladies wait, while their men respond,
united as one in a common bond.

The bond of serving, each in their own way,
the needs that arise, be what they may.

The heated meals, the unsipped drink,
are a common occurrence, much more than you think.
It's mostly routine and done without flair,
the men return, the ladies are there.

But then comes the call, the tough one to fight.
A working fire that may last through the night.
The ladies again wait, but this time they know,
that sooner or later they too will go.

As they wait for the signal, the time draws near,
for that sooner or later to suddenly be here.
The men are all weary, some of them spent.
The refreshments that arrive, are like heaven sent.

The auxiliary, in fact, is more than a name,
it's a dedicated arm of the volunteer game.
So God, when we pray, for the firemen's care,
include the ladies, who also were there.

Laurie Allen, West Paris Maine Fire Department Auxiliary