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If Frank Sinatra was a firefighter …

‘My way’ is the only way to pack the hose – until it’s not

AP70010101226.jpg

Entertainer Frank Sinatra is shown in this 1970 photograph.

Photo/Associated Press

AP70010101226.jpg

Entertainer Frank Sinatra is shown in this 1970 photograph.

Photo/Associated Press

And now the end is here
And so I face that final curtain
My friend I’ll make it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve packed a bed that’s full of LDH
I called out each and every coupling
And more, much more
I did it, I packed it my way

Regrets, I’ve had a few
But then again too few to mention
I did what I had to do
I saw it through without gloves on
I planned each cross over
Each careful step along the stack
And more, much, much more
I did it, I packed it my way

Yes, there were times I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could pack
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I packed it all and I stood tall and packed it my way

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself then he has naught
Not to say the things that he truly feels
And not the words of someone who kneels
Let the record shows I took all the blows and packed it my way

And now, it all doesn’t fit
I have to start again, before the end of my shift
I put my gloves on, and pull it all out
Again and again, I should have got help
But I will tell, not one of my doubt
F this crap, I will pack it his way now

James Pribyl is a captain with Turkey Creek Fire Rescue in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and has served with the department for 5.5 years. He is also a retired Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3.