"A Part of America Died"

Somebody killed a police officer today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in a court,
with counsel demanding his rights,
while a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
it happened in your town and mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself he gave all,
and a part of America died.

-Author Unknown-