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Poem: Paladin

The heart and soul of an LEO

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Calling all police poets! Police1’s poetry column highlights some of the inspirational, moving and funny poems authored by our readers.

This poem is by Detective John Haynes who says, “I wrote this poem back in 2016 when I was a patrol deputy with my department. I was inspired by many different sources and I just wanted to share my view on how the ideal law enforcement officer should view the world and how they should act. The line ‘Living in the yellow, never in the white’ is a reference to Jeff Cooper’s “Color Code” as a guide to levels of awareness.”

Email your original writing submission for consideration to editor@police1.com.

Paladin

Watch your six, stand your ground.

Fight like hell, if you are ever down.

Bold as a lion, gentle as a lamb.

Back your buddy, when he is in a jam.

First in the charge, last in the retreat.

Keep a watchful eye, every day on your beat.

The horrors you face, the dreams that haunt your sleep.

The thin blue line, keeping the wolf from the sheep.

Living in the yellow, never in the white.

Standing in the vanguard, doing what is right.

The gentle warrior, the righteous knight.

Stay the course, fight the good fight.

On duty or off, keep your tools at your side.

Should you ever need them, let God be your guide.

Until He takes your gun, saying “Enter in and rest.”

Always be on guard, always do your best.

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