Letter_To_A_Police

Have you ever wondered what dispatchers think of you?
It's hard for us to understand the hell that you go through
You told me once that you have been a cop for many years.
You briefly talked of good times, but never of your fears.

Every day you rattle on, your chatter fills the air.
I sometimes wonder if you have a clue who's in my chair.
My nerves seem wrapped around my throat, I wait for your "10-4".
I breathe a little better when I hear your voice once more.

Life would become difficult for those you left behind,
If you were cut down needlessly by a fool who lost his mind.
I imagine that it's on your mind each time you draw your gun.
I think about it every day before my work is begun.

I see the black band on your badge and it gives me a chill,
To recognize the darkest evil lives in this world still.
I force myself to smile when I know your're watching me.
I'm hoping that you'll never ask, "Is that a tear I see?"

It troubles me to think that I may not hear you again,
You're much more than a cop to me - you have been my friend.
If anything should happen, I would miss you every day.
I promise you I'll do my best so harm won't come your way.

But sometimes I don't have control; it's then I say a prayer.
Help me, Lord, to keep them safe - let them know I care.
Don't let them know I worry, just let them be all right.
I pray that you'll be with them throughout the day and night.

Lord, if their lives are ended by bullet, crash or knife,
I ask that you would be there with their grieving husband or wife.
Let their children be comforted, knowing until the end
It was the good of all mankind their parent did defend.

There's never time to say this when I'm on the radio,
But I have two things to ask of you, old cop, before I go.
I really do respect you; you've survived the job this long.
Please answer when I call you, and forgive me when I'm wrong.

Michelle M Hriciso
Copyright 1998