Cops Night Before Christmas (I&II)
'Twas the night before Christmas,
Yet he slept all alone.
In a one-bedroom house,
Made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney
With presents to give,
And to see just what man
In this small house did live.
I looked all about,
What a strange site to see.
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.
No stockings by the fire,
Just boots spit shined bright.
Then something else gleamed,
Reflecting the moonlight.
They were medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds.
And a sobering thought
Soon came to my mind.
For this house was different,
Unlike any I'd topped.
This was the home of an officer,
The home of a cop.
I'd heard stories about "them",
And I had to see more.
So I walked down the hall,
And pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping,
Silent and alone.
Curled up on his bed,
In this one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle,
His face weathered tan,
I soon understood
That this was more than a man.
For I realized the families
That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these people
Who were willing to fight.
Soon round the nation
The children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate
On a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed safety
Each month, and all year
Because of officers like him,
This man lying here.
I couldn't help wonder
How many were on patrol.
All alone on Christmas Eve
Out in the shivering cold.
I watched him for hours,
So silent and so still,
And I noticed that he shivered,
From the cold nights chill.
So I took off my jacket,
The one made of red.
And I covered this officer
From his toes to his head.
Then I put on His jacket
With the badge of silver and gold,
With the words "Police Officer"
Emblazoned so bold.
Though it barely fit me
I began to swell with pride,
And for one shining moment
I was an officer inside.
I didn't want to leave him
So quiet in the night,
This guardian of justice,
So willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over,
And in a voice clean and pure
Said, "Carry on Santa - it's Christmas,
All here is secure."
One look at my watch
And I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas my friend,
Code four and good night.
"Twas the night before Christmas,
And the brave cops were out on patrol.
They caught a bank robber, a drunk driver, a hooker or two,
They do it so this world will be a safer for me and for you.
Even though he's not home with his kiddie's co cute,
I still had to drop his presents down that chimney chute.
So I wiggled my butt and held my shoulders so tight,
I thought it is so sad that the cop cannot be here tonight.
I made my way down his chimney and over to a big tree,
Where I was met by a young lad - no older than three.
He asked me, "Where's Daddy? He said he'd be home tonight,"
I explained that his dad was out trying to make the whole world just right.
I sent the young lad back to the warmth of his bed,
As he drifted to sleep I gently touched his small head.
I though to my self about the thousands and more,
Who love being cops and would do nothing more.
I went back to the tree and stood there with a thought,
What would happen to that young lad if his daddy were shot?
All the presents and bright lights would mean not a thing,
If his daddy did not come home to be with with his children and sing.
All the stockings that hung with a child's trusting care,
Would mean but a little if daddy were not there.
So many a cop with kids like yours and like mine,
Are daily happy as be because daddy came home just fine.
Yet, all those medals and badges and awards shining bright,
Would mean not a thing if daddy did not come home tonight.
So let's all pray for these men, so brave and so true
They protect all the mothers and fathers and your kiddies too
Merry Christmas To All. Lawdog & Family
