He used to give a little speech
to campers by their tent,
of how the fires of wooded lands
were simple to prevent.
"Only you..." is what he'd say,
"...is what this talk's about.
Before you pack your bags to leave
be sure your fire's out."
Yet many simply didn't care
and left with coals still hot.
Then Smokey'd douse the embers down
of campers who would not.
For years he tried and tried his best
to teach the people right,
yet had to put out burning coals
they'd leave there every night.
I'll not forget when Smokey snapped.
I watched his rage explode.
But I will never turn him in...
the Forest Rangers' code.
He chased the campers through the brush
that left a fire ablaze,
and savagely they quickly saw
the error of their ways.
I found them grossly chopped to shreds
a mile or so from town.
I told the Feds out by the lake,
"Perhaps those young'uns drown."
Old Smokey's still my closest friend
amid the woods we scout.
Each night I jest when campers leave,
"They put that fire out?"
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