I Am (a Police Officer) Poem with Flag Background Metal Print

I AM - a tribute to police officers. Written by Samantha A. Cole I am a number, carved in metal and pinned on my chest. I am one of the dutiful who work 24/7/365, missing holidays and important moments in my family’s lives. I am one of a handful of family members who followed in my grandfather’s footsteps. I am one of few childhood friends who chose the same career path. I am one of a group who trained, studied, and sweat together. I am one of the proud who swore to uphold the laws of the land, help those in need, and protect others from danger. I am one of the loyal who defends those same laws whether or not I agree with them. I am one of the honored who wears my country’s flag on my sleeve, knowing one day that same flag will be draped over my coffin. I am one of the masses who call each other brothers and sisters, not of blood, but of the heart. I am one of the feared, by those who choose to do harm to their fellow man. I am one of the respected, by those who understand how hard I work to keep them safe. I am one of the envied who can honestly say “I love my job.” I am one of the despised because of the extremely small percent who damaged the public’s trust. I am one of the misunderstood, by those who have never walked in my boots. I am one of the hated, by those with narrow minds, little conscience, few morals, and who think the laws do not pertain to them. I am one of those who are looked upon with awe by children who want to grow up to be like me. I am one of the brave who run into danger while others run away. I am one drop in a sea of blue that spans the farthest corners of the earth. I am one of the thousands that walk the thin blue line knowing every day may be the one I don’t go home to my loved ones. I am one of the heartbroken who stand shoulder to shoulder, saluting the fallen while trying to hold back my tears. I am one of the saddened who either took a life or could not save one despite every effort. I am one of the mourned who died defending the rights and lives of people I never knew. I am one of the remembered, my name etched in stone with those who went before me. I am a Police Officer. Copyright © 2018 Samantha A. Cole