"A Shield Against the Night" 

The Officer Down Memorial

This poem was written to honor all those who wear a badge ... and especially those whom I call friend.

A uniform, a gun, a badge upon your chest.
These things make not super beings ...
just men and women, human like the rest.
Though sometimes taken for granted,
or even viewed with scorn or spite ...
Some eyes see you for what you truly are ...
A shield against the night.

At times your job is thankless.
Another shift has gone by,
and not a kind word is spoken,
not a single word at all.
Those endless hours spent filling out
reports bring nothing but boredom.
A headache rages in your skull.

You may ask yourself if it is really worth it?
There are many risks, no progress in sight.
The answer is a simple yes my friend,
for you are a cop, an officer ...
A shield against the night.

An car overturned, a robbery, a chase,
consoling a victim, whispering all will be well.
A frightened child's hand is held,
he is lost and out of place.
The call of duty is answered
no hesitation, no question.
A champion to those who can not fight.
You stand alone sometimes,
the only thing between the darkness
and the light.

A hero every minute, no matter how mundane the day.
Take pride in what you do.
Although very human,
You my friend....are
A shield against the night.

by

John K.

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1998 - All Rights Reserved

and may not be duplicated without permission

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