My wife and kids stood waving as I headed
out for work.
What would this shift bring, on which call
would danger lurk?
This thought replays in the back of my mind
each time I hit the street,
So far I have returned safely to my family – a
blessing so very sweet.
Sometimes I wonder if my kids really understand
the impending danger
That if their Dad were to succumb, for their
little lives it would be a real game changer.
Are their little minds protected from that ever
present fear?
I must believe it is for this family that I
hold so very dear.
What would happen to my children and my wife
Should one day my duty cost me my life?
I think about the possibilities more so than
I’ll admit,
But the danger that I face is not enough to
make me want to quit.
Thank God these awful thoughts don’t dominate
my mind,
For if they did I would surely find work of
another kind.
I am a cop; it is in my blood and my duty I
will continue to fulfill,
Knowing that my family will always love me,
realizing this job never will.
©Kent Fletcher
October 2015
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kent Fletcher retired as Deputy Chief of the Durham NC
Police Dept. He served with that department for 301/2 years. He is a graduate
of the 162nd session of the FBI National Academy and has an AA and BS degree in
Justice Administration from Guilford College. Writing short stories and poetry
has become a part-time hobby. He can be reached at
hkfletcher@nc.rr.com
