On the beat: The night before Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all down the street, Not a creature was stirring, Just a cop on the beat.
The lights along Main Street were swinging in the air, While the cop on patrol checked the city and showed That he cared!
He did a walk-thru of local bars,
It was a quiet night though, there was only one car.
As he walked down the street to check the Thrift Shops, It started to snow, but then it stopped.
Before he knew it, he’d checked the whole town,
Only to find, there were not many folks around.
He went back to the office to give the dispatcher a break! There he knew that others were sure to be awake.
The radio was abuzz from other departments talking, Although most of the calls were about other people squawking As he looked out the window with a kind of despair, He wondered if anyone in this City really did care!
It was close to Code 7 because his stomach had a grumble, Then all of a sudden, from outside there came a great rumble. When he looked out the window and who should appear,
But Santa himself, in full SWAT gear!
As he came through the door, I could tell he was thinking, Here’s a person who’s awake while others were sleeping. He said, “that I looked like a worthy young man,”
I said, “Only the best can become a Policeman!”
“The duty can be tough from end to beginning”
He then shook his head, and looked at me grinning!
He said, “Most folks are in their beds sleeping without a care, While you patrol the City, in the cold night air.
“With the City you serve, you’re the first line of defense, From robbers and rapists, thieves and the rest.
“You do this by choice; you don’t need a reason,
Even in the summer, when it’s not the Christmas Season. “There are very few people who can do this job right!
I just want to tell you, I found one tonight!
“So I’m thanking you myself,” Santa said with a pause,
I said, “Oh my gosh, a thank you from Santa Claus!”
He said, “No matter what happens on the job around you, Know that you’re appreciated by those who know you. “Keep up the good work, and don’t be in despair,
The people in this City, they do really care!
“If you don’t believe me,” he said with eyes that were sly, “Wave to a car the next time it goes by!
“The passengers may not know you, but they will wave back, Because they know in their hearts, that your job’s where it’s at! “It takes a special person to do what you do
So always do your best, you’re under review!
“An Officer’s job seems never ending!
Dispatcher too, their messages always sending!”
He thanked me again as he went out into the night,
I told him, “I’ll do my best, and I’ll do it right!”
He disappeared and I dared not follow,
And all of a sudden I didn’t feel so hollow.
I said to the dispatcher and jailer
Who were my partners and friends
Merry Christmas To All!
For it was now shift’s end.