I ask myself, who am I to judge
My mind struggles daily to rationalize
Living with peoples choices in life
Hope and despair reminding us we’re alive

Society today becomes a constant reminder
While answering calls to right a wrong
Vast versions of good and evil
Keeping peace and helping them along

Men that beat their wives
Alcohol and drugs drive them
Children living in violence
Bright futures grow incredibly dim

Thieves lurking in the darkness
Blaming society because they fail
Taking what others have worked for
Willing to risk time in jail

Then there are those that live by the rules
Willing to help for any good cause
Polite, honest, working souls
Giving time and money without pause

The ones that call us their heroes
Praising the job that we try to do
Respecting the police and the law
Proud of the women and men in blue

Looking at the person in the mirror
Trying to be the best I can be
I hope what I do is noble
Fighting the evil that I daily see

Gloomy nights dealing with the worst
Seeing children damaged the most
Coping with all I know and feel
My nightmares include their ghost

I struggle daily with good versus evil
While helping the ones I can
Wondering if I’m doing enough
Saving the world too much for one man

I question risking my life for others
But courage is facing fear of death I’m told
Fulfilling a duty to protect and serve
I pray daily to be worthy and bold

Jerry Robards
01 May 2003