Man in Blue ~

At the corner of Jefferson and Main
he stood as erect and upright
as the gray granite building
he refrained from
leaning back against
leaving untouched
the shiny brass plaque
that framed him for us,
undaunted and righteous
for all to summon
in need and distress.

In dark blue dressed
but for the silver badge breast-high,
his hat visor at eye level,
a black leather strap slashing
crosswise his chest
latched to buckle and belt,
from which a revolver unused
padded his thigh.

He was our constant—
ever present day and night
fearless, chivalrous, vigilant,
cherished and respected
by young and old alike
for being who he was
and being there for us.

Knowing him there calmed us,
our alert protector
deflecting danger lurking
as if some unseen being
were hovering behind him
spreading shielding hands
preserving us from harm.

 

Others there were like he,

each a stalwart guardian

each with our well-being at heart,

and on seeing them 

we learned their message—

to care for others

to respect others 

to tame ourselves

to make for peace and harmony 

as was given us

by the men in blue

who stood at the intersection of

Jefferson and Main

in the heart of town.