911 Aftermath Misguided Haters

You walk through the metal detector 
You look at me with a deep seated scorn
You loath that I made you remove your stuff
You had to take off your shoes belt and jewelry
You’re thinking “I’m no criminal or terrorist so why me”

I am only doing the job the government requires of me
I am not the reason you are harassed and had to partially strip
I do empathize with you seeing I have to do the same thing too
No one cares that I am a Screening Officer I am searched when I travel
The government says what’s good for the goose is good for the gander

You want to get mad at someone then look in the right direction
The ones who blatantly took the lives of our families and friends
Who took the choice of traveling to most places away forever
Who took the privilege of carrying most things on board away 
The freedom to travel with our liquids and gels peanut butter and jam

Don’t blame me because I am risking my life to keep you safe
Don’t blame me for someone not caring about your fate
Don’t blame me for what Mr. Harper and Mr. Obama says
Or for what the UK says is their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Don’t blame me I am just the messenger that holds many lives in my hand
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Horsman Avatar
April 14, 2020 at 1:09 AM
I stand by what i wrote the first time around,,I've picked this out of my fav,,to re-read, and yes hope you are keeping well Joy, not visited Canada yet, but who knows?
Nutter Avatar
September 13, 2012 at 5:34 AM
The job is hard, the risk is high, and probably one of the most under appreciated workers out there. I travel alot and the routine has become just another normal routine, no big deal. I think the people that have the worse time are the infrequent flyers. Loved the write.
Loving Iii Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 2:41 PM
It almost normal now. I expect someone will invent travel clothes that will make things easier that will look like space suits. And a place to change at the air port.
Wellington Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 8:52 PM
Quite funny John!
Wellington Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 9:30 AM
I just wrote this poem, because of an experience I had with a passenger on 9.11.2012. I hurt when I have to take away an old man or lady's belongings, when I feel deep within my heart that they are ok, but the powers that be, says no one is exempt that is subject to screening. There are dozens of camaras in the ceiling, if I am seen letting something go, then it's my job that will permanently go. I AM SO SORRY THAT THIS HAS TO BE, BECAUSE SOME TIMES IT DOSN'T MAKE SENSE TO THE PERSON.
Wellington Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 9:42 AM
I STILL CRY WHEN I REMEMBER 911....THAT DAY I DIDN'T LEAVE MY HOUSE. MY EYES WERE GLUED TO THE TELLY AT WHAT I COULD SEE BECAUSE OF THE TEARS THAT BLOCKED MY VIEW!!!
Sivey Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 8:59 AM
This is a great poem from another perspective of life Joy! I understand their position whenever I fly, I never give the Screening Officer a hard time because I know that he or she is just doing his or her job! I am actually glad that they do what they do, I feel more secure whenever I fly, so if you are a Screening Officer, I tip my hat to you and I thank you! What a beautiful poem, Great Work!!
Wellington Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 9:23 AM
You are welcome Russell...some people just don't get it, they think we are out to get them personally. Blessings.
Andresen Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 4:25 AM
- Well written - agree with Harry. xoxo love Anne-Lise :)
Wellington Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 9:15 AM
Tnx Anne Lise
Horsman Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 3:58 AM
Excellent Poem is this joy, to my fav along with you.. there is always two sides to every aspect, and i love the way you present this... Should print this out and hang it where all passenger can see it... which airport Joy, i promise i'll smile at you next time i'm your way..again excellent....
Wellington Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 9:15 AM
I worked @ Toronto Pearson for 6yrs, but since Aug of this year I am @ the Toronto Island Airport...if you are a business class person you may use Porter Airlines a lot, if so then you will see me. Smile...
Dietrich Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 1:07 AM
this is fantastic, joy. Do you work for the airlines then?
Wellington Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 9:12 AM
I meant "their traveling plublic"
Wellington Avatar
September 12, 2012 at 9:10 AM
No Andrea, I work for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority...even the airlines sometimes hates us, they think we give their passengers too much hassle...but, but, but at the end of the day, we are the ones that make their travelingd a flight public feel they can board a flight with a reasonable sense of safety
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