" WARRIORS OF THE SHIELD "

" WARRIORS OF THE SHIELD "

In the quiet of the night and by the light of day,
these precious few take up the fight and march into in harm's way.
It is these few ~ these warriors all ~ who side by side stand proud,
sacrificing for the law the highest price avowed.

They and others of their kind, by sworn allegiance pledged,
soldiers each for justice blind and by its honor fledged ~
guarding well the no man's land all others fear to tread ...
protecting us from evil's hand and to their calling wed.

A call that bids them walk the line that marks the rocky ledge
where fainting hearts, both yours and mine, are forced unto the edge.
Policeman ~ Guardian ~ Sentry ~ Friend ... the vigilant watch they keep
is that on which our lives depend, and grants us peaceful sleep.

Were it not for such as they, who offer up their lives,
who would keep us safe and free ~ who'd make this sacrifice?
'Tis they whose eyes behold all things most cannot bear to see ~
'tis in their ears the echos ring of mankind's agony.

Their hands are those when none else are that cradle at the last
souls that evil's touch has marred and wrenched from worldly grasp.
Their dedication holds at bay the evil that men do ~
their perserverance finds a way to cope and see them through.

Theirs are the tears in private shed for suffering unseen ...
their hearts cut deep and wholly bled by victims' tortured screams.
Leave them not alone to fight the war that rages on ~
crime, abuse, chaotic blight ~ the battle must be won.

Let not one drop of warriors' blood lie spilled for us in vain ~
let not these Warriors of the Shield be forced to know the pain
of our indifference or neglect ~ let us instead revere
and e'r regard with deep respect their watch o'er all held dear.

May each and every warrior know the gratitude we feel ...
God be with each and His love show ~ with might as that of steel.

~~~~~~~~~~~

... Composed in memory of Patrolman Michael J. Hutchison of the Mansfield, Ohio Police Department, who the angels carried from the stark, wintry scene of a "Shooting-Officer Down" call into the warmth of Heaven's light and the waiting arms of God ~ a fallen hero whose name joins so many enshrined in The Final Roll Call. In Michael's name and everlasting memory, this poem is dedicated with tears and a grateful heart to every honest, caring, and dedicated man and woman of Law Enforcement throughout the world who, to keep us ever safe, daily risk their all. A heartfelt Thank You to you all ~ each and every one.
~ Of Fire Born