I once was a warfighter but what am I now?

I've suffered through aimless wander no service to vow.

My value was broken my spirit was lost.

How could this be after paying such a high cost?

A man measures his worth in what he gives of himself.

my contribution became minimal I was set on a shelf.

My spirit was fading my soul began to starve.

But a warfighter grows focused in hunger,

one foot forward turned into continuous drive

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Then out of nowhere the vision came through.

God put fire on my heart, my spirit renewed.

The answer is so simple, how could I not see?

Someone must answer the call of tragedy.

I once was a war fighter but what am I now?

I am a fireman with my life to vow.

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I am a fireman because what else could I be?

There are but a few places for a beast like me. 

I begged for a transition that allowed me reprieve.

I focused my energy and in turn started to receive. 

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I needed fire more than it needed me. 

I was mourning the loss of a dead identity. 

Out of necessity I sought refuge in a new domain. 

A place of solace and safety in which to remain. 

A shelter to breathe, think  and undress. 

An ebb in the river to change and progress. 

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I am a fireman because what else could I be?

I lamented and dug to question myself honestly. 

After combat there was nothing more I could do. 

How would my spirit grow to feel renewed. 

I was conceived in violence my first breath was in blood. 

But I was baptized in fire, its cleansing waters washed over like a flood.

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There was nowhere to hide, no distance to run. 

I was pulled into the void like gravity attempting to escape the sun. 

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This career chooses its servants but from necessity.   

Every choice we make matters, life is defined in such brevity. 

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The fuels within burn and sustain

Assuring me this is where I must remain

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I was immersed into fire I was dipped into flame, 

And although I have surfaced I’ll never be the same. 

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I am a fireman because what else could I be?

There is no other place the world would have accepted me. 

I am a fireman because what else could I be?

There are but a few places for a beast like me. 

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So henceforth I will stand true and unmoved. 

Ready to do battle when the world seems unglued. 

When that bell rings I will always come. 

Because I was baptized in fire and that can’t be undone. 

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Post creation addition: The original poem was written several years ago. I believe my prompt of “I once was a war fighter but what am I now” is one that will perpetually evolve and be added to.”

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I have since grown and matured. 

My pathway once straight is beginning to curve. 

So many have no ambition causing great strife. 

The pathways of many has become my new life. 

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I’m becoming the man my family deserves, 

Forcefully changing myself  so this gift may be preserved. 

Steadily reaching for God all of the time. 

Praying for vigilance as chaos pushes the line. 

My efforts are purposeful and thoughtfully planned. 

Slowly but surely I’m becoming a self actualized man. 

There is so far to travel, so much work ahead. No matter my discomfort I’ll never relent. 

For my family beside me they deserve only the best.  

Until they receive that I can’t afford to rest.