"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 who shot him will stand up in court,
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids
And spend alone many long nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield, 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,
It happened 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 and gave us his all,
And a part of America died."

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On December 6, Dan wrote:

"I was hoping to have this poem submitted to the DH site.  I realize that our Law and Social change class primarily deals with the discrepancies and injustices in our current Social Justice and Criminal Justice systems. . . . there are individuals in the law enforcement agencies of our society that are trying to change this disparity.  For those brave individuals, of whom I hope to one day be a part of, I would like to submit this poem.  There are men and women out there who understand the need for equality, and I feel I can be one of those men and women.  This poem has served as a bit of an inspiration for me for the past 3 years.  I found it in a Dear Abby/Ann Landers type of column.  The author is unknown to the best of my knowledge."

 

On December 6, jeanne and Susan respond:

Thank you, Dan, for reminding us all how much each of us matters as we try to make this a kinder, gentler world that will do no harm. Sometimes in our eagerness to catch those who are slipping through the cracks (whether falling or jumping) we forget the hope and joy of knowing how many share those concerns with us. jeanne and Susan

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