A Part of America Died

Somebody killed a policeman today,   
and a part of America died.
     
A piece of our country he swore to protect, 
will be buried with him at his side.
   
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
   
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.
   
The beat that he walked was a battle field too,    
just as if he'd gone off to war.
   
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.
   
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,            
in your town or mine.
   
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,    
a cop put his life on the line.
   
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side
   
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.

The Final Inspection


The policeman stood and faced his God,
which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord I guess I ain't.
Because those who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough...
And sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are awful tough.

But I never took a penny
that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't...I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod,
as the policeman waited quietly
for the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well,
Come walk a beat on heaven's street,
You've done your time in hell."

The Monument
  
I never dreamed it would be me,
My name for all eternity,
Recorded here at this hallowed place.
Alas, my name, no more my face.
"In the line of duty", I hear them say:
My family now the price to pay.
My folded flag stained with their tears;
We only had those few short years.
The badge no longer on my chest,
I sleep now in eternal rest.
My sword I pass to those behind,
And pray they keep this thought in mind.
I never dreamed it would be me,
And with heavy heart and bended knee,
I ask for all here from the past:
Dear God, let my name be the last.