Written April 23, 1913 at age 18

If a fire in the village

Seems to threaten house or farm,

Then, the first to see the danger

Rings the church bell for alarm.

First a crowd goes to the station

That they might help on the hose;

Others rush in desperation

That they might save, first, the clothes.

Up the ladders, through the windows

Rush the first with stick and ax,

While the children at the bottom

Laugh 'mid show'rs of clothes and sacks.

As the water starts asplashing,

And the things are carried out,

Then the hosemen stagger, backing

From the smoke, and seem to pout.

All the while the fire is raging,

And the things are coming through;

First a bookcase, then a caging;

After that a bed or two.

Minute after minute flying,

Till all hope of joy is tossed;

Then it is you see the weeping

For the home that they have lost.

After all the fright is over,

And the work begun anew,

Then we realize our blessings

Which are coming ever true.