ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

[Vic Jefferies]

I wrote this for a friend of mine who was retiring from the Police Force after a long and dedicated career:


ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

Flash solicitors and barristers
are circling the court,
like ancient gladiators,
their loyalties sold and bought.
‘The Beak’ sits on the bench
glaring disdainfully at you,
as though there is a stench
attached to your suit of blue.

The defendant gives a grin
as the magistrate grants bail,
you wonder how you’re supposed to win
and who should be in gaol!
You’re tired of watching villains
and you’re sick of seeing thugs
make their evil livings
out of selling children drugs.

There’s a drunk out in the cells
alleging he’s been bashed:
down the phone a woman yells
her home has just been trashed;
you’re working on your rest day
and your wife has blown her top.
All of this for your pay -
who the hell would be a cop?

They’re off the air in Kellyville
re a fatal on Windsor Road,
you’re hoping that the young blokes will
somehow bear the load -
the boss has sent out memos
asking you please refrain
from locking offenders up at ‘demos,’
“The budget’s under strain!”

A wife has stabbed her husband:
there’s a drunk outside the school;
a noisy rock ‘n roll band,
and the kids who think it’s cool
to carry guns and flick knives
are hurling foul abuse,
high on drugs that ruin their lives
and you wonder - what’s the use?

There’s a mother at the door
and it almost breaks your heart,
although you’ve done it all before
you find it hard to start
for mothers always seem to know,
before you say the words they dread,
(God, what a way to earn your dough!)
“I’m sorry, John your son is ....”

The papers scream,”You’re bent!”
“You are crooked!” “On the take!”
Apologies are never sent
when they discover their mistake.
Your kids begin to doubt you
your wife shares your shame,
and even though it isn’t true
some mud sticks to your name.

At last you’ve had enough
and you are calling it a day,
it isn’t that the job’s too tough
or your hair is turning grey -
it isn’t that somehow you doubt
the people care or know
what a cop’s job is all about -
(Mate, they could NEVER know!)

So after nearly forty years
of study, work and strain
as retirement finally nears
were your efforts all in vain?
That’s the question you now face,
but I assure you it is true -
you’ve made this world a better place -
God Bless The Girls and Boys in Blue!

Vic Jefferies ©

[Cropduster]

An accurate portrayal of what police officers contend with on a daily basis.

My brother retired from the police force a few years back, and while always supportive of his comrades in arms, he had many traumatic experiences which will stay with him forever.

Police men and women and are so often unappreciated...until you need one.

[mummsie]

Who would be a cop? A good write Vic-you have portrayed the "other" side of the law very well.

Cheers
Sue

[Vic Jefferies]

Thank you both for your comments, but where is Neville?

[Terry]

G/day Vic

Sue has already stole my line - who'd be a cop.

And having to deal with the media scrum (nearly said something else there) would be enough to drive you round the bend.

Well said Vic.

Cheers

Terry

[Bob Pacey]

Yes spot on Vic, once they start getting some support from the powers that be things will change ! Ya reckon.

I got pulled over the other day speeding and I was in line for a $ 300.00 fine and loss of quite a few points.


Got to talking to the young bloke ( as you do ) and he finally said You have a pretty good attitude mate so lets call it 10 klms over and call it quits.


See they only have a job to do like the rest of us.


Bob

[Vic Jefferies]

Thank you Terry and Bob for your kind comments.

[Neville Briggs]

As a general summary of the task, I don't remember that it's really as bad as that Vic. more to do with leadership.

All the great leaders knew the importance of that elusive thing called morale. Morale is not about whether the job is easy or hard but about what people believe in. If people don't believe in it then the leadership has failed and the " battle" is lost before the first shot is fired.

[Vic Jefferies]

Thank you Neville.

[Heather]

You've summed up all the awful things a cop has to deal with Vic. Maybe Neville can write something about the good things.

Heather