The funeral line was long, there are an awful lot of
cars, folks came out of the restaurants, out of the bars. The workers at the
construction site all let their hammers drop. Someone asked, what is this
all for? And they said, "Aw, just a cop," some chuckled at the passing cars,
some shed a silent tear some people said, Its stupid, all these dumb
policemen here. How come they are not out fighting crime? or in a doughnut
shop? Sure is a lot of trouble, for someone who's just a cop! They blocked
the intersections, they blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed!
Damn, its gonna make me late! This is really ridiculous they're making us
all stop! It seems they are sure wasting time on someone who's just a cop!!
Into the cemetery now, the slow procession comes. The woeful taps are slowly
played. There's loud salutes from guns. The graveyard workers shake their
heads "This service is a flop." There's lots of good words wasted, on
someone who's just a cop! yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty
everyday, trying to protect us, till they took his life away. And when he
got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, who was
that? And he said, Aw, just a cop. The officer stood and faced his God.
Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, just as
brightly as his brass. Step forward now, officer, how shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true? The
officer squared his shoulder and said No, Lord, I guess I ain't , because
all of us who carry badges can't always be a saint. I've had to work most
Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are tough. But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to
keep. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep, and I
never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear, and
sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear. I know I don't deserve
a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm
their fear. If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I
never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand! There
was silence all around the throne where the saints often trod. As the
officer waited quietly for the judgment of his GOD "Step forward now,
officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's
streets, You've done your time in hell! AMEN
