'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.
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