Dear Officer

28 Jul 1998

Our unsung heroes
clichéd as hell, hidden from praise,
I thank you fervently.
So many requests
daily harassment,
minor inconvenience
as we take to you our fears
curse you for your job
and forget the small praises
	that we voice a thousand safe nights.
Given but a moment,
do we give soft kudos
gentle touch, human contact – 
or do we demand
rough-voiced petulance
at criminal neglect we imagine?


Let me take one moment
to wish you safety each day
	good health, strong families
and thanks eternal
for the freedom you ensure. 



© 1999, Tara Tambolleo