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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Guzzi Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 5:39 PM
wonderful wonderful write and everyone is reading it no matter that it long, it's just the right..long! congrad's Light & Love
Augustus Avatar
September 22, 2009 at 2:12 PM
I thought this was a very cute and honourable poem about an extremely disrespected and underrated profession. Congratulations on getting a win in Constance's contest!
Strand Avatar
September 21, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Congrats on your success in Constance's contest Raul.Rgds Brian
George   Avatar
September 21, 2009 at 7:11 AM
Dear Raul, Very touching. Congratulations on your well deserved win. Love, Lainie
Richards Avatar
September 20, 2009 at 1:51 PM
Congratulations on your fine poem, and well deserved win in The Dusty Box of Memories contest. ! A fine tribute to those who sacrifice so much. ~ Carrie
Brown Avatar
September 20, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Congratulations on your win in Constance's contest Raul. Love, Carol
Panugayan Avatar
May 5, 2009 at 5:21 AM
Thank you for the wonderful comments! Congratulations and good luck on the finals!!!
Wheaton Avatar
May 4, 2009 at 7:49 AM
wonderful poem, congrats on making the semifinals
Anil.Naik Avatar
May 4, 2009 at 3:17 AM
Thanks for the comments, Raul and congrats to you as well. This is a really beautiful piece and a lovely write.My salute and 100% resect to the brave cop.
Keough Avatar
May 3, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Thanks for the comments, Raul and congrats to you as well. Love this piece. Very heartfelt!
Brown Avatar
April 28, 2009 at 6:39 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it into the semi finals Raul. Wishing you the best of luck in the finals. Love, Carol
Jordan Avatar
April 4, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Wow Raul the rhyme and flow along with the message - Outstanding - Congratulations on having your poetry featured this week – God Bless, MJ
Haniff Avatar
April 3, 2009 at 2:42 PM
this is wonderful! jus lovely....this is truly a well deserved feature this week!...Maryam
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
April 1, 2009 at 6:49 AM
Wonderful story Raul. congratulations on this touching poem "The Box Of Stuff" being featured. God Bless. Vince
 Avatar
March 31, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Raul, congratulations on having this poem selected as a semi-finalist. Way to go! Best wishes in the finals. Keep up the good writing. Karen
Winter Avatar
March 31, 2009 at 6:54 AM
Congrats Raul on making it through to the first round! Good luck in the finals. Love, Shar
Strand Avatar
March 31, 2009 at 2:12 AM
Congrats on your success in the PS contest.Best wishes for the next round Raul.Rgds Brian
Townsend Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 8:33 PM
I can't get past this one...I just wanted to come back and say... for the sake of all that will read your words and feel what you write... "never let anyone or anything discourage you from writing." Your talent is beyond measure. I am honored to have had the chance to read you here. Never give up as your writing will surely take you somewhere when you write with so much heart and soul. Smiles from Lolita
Townsend Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 8:13 PM
Oh my gosh, this one took me by surprise. I read it with the thought that it would be a light poem of sorts about searching through the attic for some old stuff. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. This is so incredibly written and heartbreaking. Your gifts never cease to amaze me. Congratulations on being featured this week. Adding to my favorites. Smiles (through my tears) from Lolita
Winter Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Such an incredible write. Congrats Raul on your awesome poetry being featured this week. Love, Shar
Guzzi Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Now I KNOW you should never write a SHORT verse again Bravo!!!! Light & Love..I will always read your verse even if it's 2 pages long!
Guzzi Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 2:55 PM
Now I KNOW you should never write a SHORT verse again Bravo!!!! Light & Love..I will always read your verse even if it's 2 pages long!
 Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 12:32 PM
What a wonderful, heartfelt story captured so well in this poem. It speaks of what makes a true hero. Beautiful reflection. Congratulations on having your poem featured. Well deserved honor! Karen
De La Keur Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Congratulations on being featured, this is a sad but beautiful poem, loved it, you are so talented and inspirational, Love Aleera
Rider Avatar
March 30, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Excellent poem-tenderly written. Congratulations on being featured this week! ~Trudy~
12
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace