MERRY CHRISTMAS OFFICER

T'was the night before christmas, he lived all alone.
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give,
and to see just "who" in this house did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings by the fire, just boots filled with sand.

On the wall hung pictures of him with a friend,
with medals and badges, awards of all kinds.
A sobering thought soon came through my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd topped.
This was the house of a Police Officer, a COP.

I'd heard stories about "them". I had to see more.
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping...silent...alone.
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene.
Not how "I" pictured a protection machine.
Was this the hero, of whom I'd just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was neatly groomed, his face weathered tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families I saw that night,
Owed their lives to these people, who are willing to fight.

Soon around the nation, the children would play,
and grown-ups would celebrate on a bright christmas day.
They all enjoyed peace, each month and all year,
Because of Officers like this one lying here.

I couldn't help but wonder how many patrol
on a cold christmas eve, in a land called their own.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice.
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my god, my partner, my force."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep.
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent so still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this officer from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his jacket with badge silver and gold,
with the words "Police Officer" emblazoned so bold,
and although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride.
And for one shining moment, I was an officer deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
This guardian of honor, so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice so clean and pure,
said "carry on Santa, It's christmas day, all's secure."

One look at my watch and I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas, my friend, ten-four, and good night.