The Box of Stuff

I heard him close shut the attic door, I snuck in and saw him on the floor. He found the box that I stored away, As I turned to leave I heard him say. “Mom, could you come here for a few, Whose badge is this and what does this do?” Placing the hat on top of his head, Come close my son I softly said. With a saddened tone I lowly spoke, Pushing words over the lump in my throat. That box of stuff belonged to a man, Who left one night with his keys in hand. He heard his pager go off late one night, He jumped in that suit and dashed out of sight. To answer a call, not knowing for sure, The dangers his heart would have to endure. He’d always been brave right from the start, And was a good man with a courageous heart. He wasn’t a man like typical dads, That was mainly because the job that he had. That box of stuff is his way to pave, The bright good man you’ll be someday. Because in that box that you delved into, Belonged to a man who looked like you. If you can understand I’ve never known why, Before you were born that man had to die. I cannot imagine what he went through, To save a stranger he never knew. He faced a danger he didn’t deserve, He gave his life to protect and to serve. He wasn’t respected most of the time, But still he laid his life down on the line. With all this that I share this day, There’s a few final words I’d like to say. All the stuff that’s within that box, I want you to know belonged to a cop. There’s a lot of things he never saw, He lost his life defending the law. And one of those things that he didn’t see, Was watching you become what you came to be. You’re brave like him in the things you pursue, I know he’d be proud of the life you ensue. It’s been along time that my heart has cried, I still remember the night that he died. Much has happened since the night he was slain, I think you should know that you bear his name. Yes there are times that I still get sad; But I want you to know that man was your dad. So put the box up my little snooper, Now that you know your dad was a trooper.