I put on my uniform
Not to be brave
I don’t head out everyday
Hoping a life I will save.

I put on my badge
I pick up my gun
I say goodbye to my pride
And I step into the sun.

My days are spent not knowing
What will come my way
What I will encounter
What I will have to say.

My family and friends
Aren’t inside my head
They just pray everyday
That I won’t end up dead.

It’s not fair not knowing
What your day will hold
Will you encounter a murderer
Or just someone who is old?

Will I need to tell someone
That they aren’t going to die
Will I have to hide away
So no one sees me cry.

My job is to protect you
From the good and the bad
Please don’t make my job hard
Please don’t make my family sad.

We work in emergency services
And we love what we do
We serve and we protect
Everyday people like you.

So honour those who have fallen
Don’t let their memories fade away
Walk a day in our shoes
And when we lose one of our own stand with me and pray.

N.B – Written after the death of a police officer.