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Savior's Shield - A Poem based on recent events

Savior’s Shield


Christmas Eve, a call came in

“Man in rage, about to sin”

Another day for the uniformed blue

We don our vests and suit up

It’s just our job, our calling true


A pint-sized partner at my side

Compact, strong, don’t let it fool

She’s as brave as the come

Hard, tough, and compassion too


The Eve of the Savior, a Thursday night

I pleaded with a girl deep in fright

Tonight’s the night, you must press charges

Your boyfriend’s intent is to come and harm you


Her grandma’s instinct to dial 911

Was the right call 

for help to come

We’ve been down this road, it’s not baby’s fault

Emotions run rouge

When we’re all cooped up


Domestic abuse rises unweary 

The drinking, the pressure 

All is unyielding

They are called into danger

Their vow to protect

Someday a savior

Other days little respect


I pray these situations would never come

She prayed her boyfriend would remain on the run

I darkened her doorway pleading my case

This for your protection there is no disgrace

Make the right decision

We’re here for you


She raised her finger, as to point

And he’s here too

Weapon’s danger and his regret

It happened so quickly

As he executed the threat


Trigger pulled in an instant

Sound blasting our ears

Bullet’s punch in my back

Culmination of fears


He’s running away

I tried to pursue

My body unwilling, legs untrue

Now the pain has come

The situation asunder

Her prayers were answered

He no longer would plunder


The second call I remember

“Officer down” came the plea

My instinct to answer

But the officer now was me


My brothers and sisters

All officers in blue

Followed my ride to King’s hospital

Not knowing what to do


Most think it was the vest 

That saved our lives

But I trust it was St. Michael

Always at our side


My parents, the Chief, and Chaplin at my bed

I don’t understand all the to-due 

Brothers and sisters in blue 

Lined the hallways to carry us through


Hero’s title rejected, 

We answered the call

Just doing my job

And happened to fall


Don’t need a reporter’s attention

Or a story’s misconception

I just so happened to be

The one to shield a bullet’s direction


The Police Chaplin a few feet from my side

Consoled my parents, with whom I have pride

Take these Cross Insignias from my lapels he insisted

Today we celebrate two births, both saviors true

The God who became man

And your boy in blue


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