Today

Today an officer died and so did a mother inside

Today an officer died and so did a father inside

Today an officer died and so did a partner inside

Today an officer died and so did a child inside

Today an officer died and so did a brother

Today an officer died and so did a sister

Today an officer died and so did a friend

Today an officer died and so did a papa

Today an officer died and so did a mama

Today an officer died and so did a family inside

Today an officer died and tears fell like rain

Today an officer died and a family will never be the same

Today an officer died and the citizens lost a lion

Today an officer died and a community is left crying

Today an officer died and some do not care

Today an officer died and a new life was born

Today an officer died and a flag will fly at half staff

Today an officer died and bagpipes will play

Today an officer died and a body will lie in state

Today an officer died and words were said

Today an officer died and the status check had no reply

Today an officer died and tears were wiped away

Today an officer died and heaven made room for one more

Today an officer died and those alive bled blue

Today an officer died and nothing more needs to be said

This piece was first published in The Press on Sunday, May 10, 2015. Brett Walton is a sergeant with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.