A Cop on the Take
First they take the oath.
Now look at all they take -
They take it in their
stride when people call them a pig.
They take time to stop and talk to children.
They take
your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserve.
They take on creeps you would be afraid to
even look at.
They take time away
from their family to keep you safe.
They take your injured children to the hospital.
They
take the graveyard shift without complaint because it's their turn.
They take their life into their
hands daily.
They take you home when
your car breaks down.
They take time to explain why both you headlights have to work.
They take
the job no one else wants - telling you a loved one has died.
They take criminals to jail.
They take in sights
that would make you cry.
Sometimes they cry too, but they take it anyway because someone has
to.
If they are lucky, they take retirement.
They take memories to bed
each night that you couldn't bear for even one day.
Sometimes, They Take a
bullet.
And, yes, occasionally They
may Take a free cup of coffee.
Then one day they pay for all they have taken,
and God takes them.