Officer Down Poem by Philip Lore

I wear this badge, just a piece of tin,
With numbers on my chest.
A revolver loaded at my side,
Will I pass the test?

Broken glass, crystal shards,
Break beneath my feet,
I twirl my baton,
Straighten my hat,
As I proudly walk my beat.

A pistol shot, a shrill alarm,
A murder taking place,
I try to keep my heart rate down,
As I approach....I start to frown.
A young man sprawled, bleeding on the ground.
Small bloody hole in the center of his head,
His pupils fixed, he makes no sound.
I knew that he was dead.

Quickly, I secure the scene.
The crowd was ready to fight.
They threathen me, I draw my gun,
I grip the handles tight.
I scan to the left, I scan to the right,
Several shots come in the night.
They strike, and knock me down.
A young man lies dead tonight,
....With an officer down.

Dedicated to the memory of Jersey City Police Officer Casper Buonocore, who died by gunfire while on duty. Rest in Peace Brother.