A Cop, A Woman.

She starts the engine; the motor is spun.

To patrol the streets, she checks the gun.

Check the lights, radio, and siren in time.

Time to patrol and prevent some crime.

Not far from the station, she got the call.

Lights and siren, her foot to the firewall.

Trained to drive through traffic in flight.

Safety versus time. She does what’s right.

Arrives at the scene. Lights flashing, chaos, and such.

Officer down. How bad. She doesn’t know much.

It was her friend of over five years.

Didn’t know to be angry or to shed tears.

He was in his cruiser having a calm lunch.

Ambushed in cold blood by a lowly bunch.

The war on many cops may be here to stay.

Fueled by activists who must have their say.

A friend of hers was shot last year.

Deep in her soul lies a little fear.

But that is the hate they want to make of this day.

Makes her stronger. Her loyalty will not delay.

To serve the people is why she wanted to join.

Not for the glory, accolades, or large coin.

Her friend today had lead put in his chest.

Thank God he had a good bulletproof vest.

Back to patrol, as she clears her mind in silence.

In comes a call, once again for domestic violence.

Arrives at an apartment with yelling inside.

Louder and louder was the volume's tide.

Backup arrives with no time to spare.

The risk and danger both will share.

This is another way some officers get shot.

They must proceed with training they got.

They knock on the door. With an alert cringe.

A man opens the door with a squeaky hinge.

She said the neighbors called about a fight.

The man stared and was shocked by the sight.

I’m sorry he said. “Arguing over a video game.”

“We feel so embarrassed. We feel so lame.”

They asked to speak to his wife, only to find.

“He’s cheating! Arrest him! Would you mind?”

They all laughed, and tension was none.

Everybody was just having some fun.

They go their separate ways. She’s back on patrol.

For the next call is always a gambled dice roll.

The radio answers the silence in her car.

An armed robbery. The distance is not far.

Arrives to see a cashier in terrified shock.

Pointing where the car was, down the block.

He gave them the money just like they said.

Just for spite, they slashed him in his dread.

Cut was minor. Not much blood was lost.

We tolerate crime. But at what cost?

She drives back to the station, forgetting the sight.

Erases society's infections incurred in the night.

Carefully unloads her gun. In her holster, it did stay.

There’s always tomorrow to unfold in a new way.

Survives the day. Prays that she will get through tomorrow.

So that you can sleep well, this woman burdens the sorrow.

Kasey Dann.