Through Mumbai’s heart, where towers rise,  
A blaze lit up the midnight skies.  
The Salsette stood, its top aflame,  
A city whispered prayers, in pain.

The sirens howled, the engines sped,  
Flames danced high in hues of red.  
Firefighters climbed, defying death,  
Choking smoke stole every breath.

Not just the heat, the flames, the roar,  
But poisoned air at every door.  
A single breath—a burn inside,  
Where silent killers choose to hide.
  
Carbon’s grasp, unseen, untold,  
Turns blood to chains, makes warmth go cold.  
A mind goes faint, a heart turns weak,  
The body stumbles, lungs can’t speak.  

Coughing, gasping, eyes turn red,  
A ghostly hand grips tight like lead.  
A breath too deep, a fall too fast,  
The flames may fade, but wounds will last.  

When the fire dies and night turns still,  
Smoke’s cruel whisper lingers still.  
Scorched airways, scarred within,  
A battle lost beneath the skin.  

Lungs once strong, now wheeze in pain,  
Each breath is a struggle, never the same.  
Asthma haunts, infections creep,  
In every sigh, the embers weep.  

Yet hands reached out, through fire and fear,  
Bringing hope, pulling near.  
Heroes rose through smoke’s embrace,  
Defying death to save a face.  

Let wisdom grow from flames so tall,  
A lesson carved within us all.  
For fire may burn, but care will shield,  
A future safe—our battle sealed.

.    .    .