Zero, Zero, Zero

Zero, Zero, Zero


Thousands line the streets, silent, to honour and farewell
A hero who died serving his country, and our hearts swell.
For he was one of us, not famous, proud or great,
Just a man doing his duty, a father, son, brother, mate.

The sun was shining on that fatal morning,
Just a routine search – there was no warning.
Then shots were fired, and heroes made,
Though we often wish it didn't happen that way.

Len Snee, New Zealand salutes you.
You represent to us more than you ever knew.
And now we honour this gentle, strong man,
Who has become more to us since all this began.

In one of the darkest hours our country has faced,
We ask why, why the tragedy and reckless waste?
Yet this we know: New Zealand will rise and stand
Together, as one, this nation and this land.

Stirring haka1 honours him, amid the bagpipe song,
As pall is taken up and carried to where he now belongs.
Len Snee, your last page you have received:
Zero, zero, zero. You are now on leave.

Dedicated to Senior Constable Len Snee,
a police officer who died in the line of duty
7th May 2009, Napier, New Zealand
in the Jan Molenaar siege  

Inspired by the words of Superintendent Sam Hoyle:
"(Len Snee,) You have received your last page: zero, zero, zero. You are now on leave."

Footnotes
1  Haka: national New Zealand dance