I swore an oath that August day

So many, too many, years ago

To perform the duties expected of

A police officer in this country

I swore to do these duties without

Fear, favor, or affection of or towards

Another person and I affirmed this with

So help me God

I was young and I skimmed over

These words when I signed

The document with a theme

I did not fully understand

It would take years to realize

Despite these words I would experience

Fear, loathing, hate, and other

Emotions from the darkness

I would understand the perfection

Everyone wants is unattainable as

We are imperfect beings

Living in an imperfect world

People do not like to be told

They are wrong and lash out

At the conveyors of that message

To reverse their perceived abuse

Police actions video-taped and judged

Before any court has a chance to convene

Convicting with little evidence and

Showing superiority over the lowly blue

Still when there is trouble they reach out

To those in uniform to take care of it

But do not do it wrong and

Bring it back wrapped up in a bow

Years after I left that suit behind

I watch the news and feel sorrow for those

Still working to maintain law and order

Only now I fully understand that oath

It is swearing to do the impossible

To strive for unachievable perfection

Being set up for most certain failure and

Signing nevertheless on the dotted line