May 2015
By: Cedric McClester
I recognize that the police
Are in a difficult profession
But my demand that they do their jobs
Shouldn’t ever lessen
And if killed in the line of duty
There should be no guessing
I abhor it vehemently
So I extend my blessings
I recognize the good first
Before I cite the bad
But that doesn’t mean
I have no right ever to get mad
And when tragedy strikes ‘em
I too am among the sad
For anyone to suggest otherwise
Is more than a tad rad’
I recognize the human worth
Of everyone who exists
Which is not to say that they
Won’t sometimes be remiss
But if it’s an established pattern
I’m among the first to insist
That they be held accountable
If you get my gist
I recognize the humanity
In everyone I see
Even those who occasionally
With whom I disagree
That doesn’t mean if they’re killed
I won’t have sympathy
If I didn’t you’ll agree
It would only lessen me
© Copyright 2015, Cedric McClester. All rights reserved.
I recognize that the police
Are in a difficult profession
But my demand that they do their jobs
Shouldn’t ever lessen
And if killed in the line of duty
There should be no guessing
I abhor it vehemently
So I extend my blessings
I recognize the good first
Before I cite the bad
But that doesn’t mean
I have no right ever to get mad
And when tragedy strikes ‘em
I too am among the sad
For anyone to suggest otherwise
Is more than a tad rad’
I recognize the human worth
Of everyone who exists
Which is not to say that they
Won’t sometimes be remiss
But if it’s an established pattern
I’m among the first to insist
That they be held accountable
If you get my gist
I recognize the humanity
In everyone I see
Even those who occasionally
With whom I disagree
That doesn’t mean if they’re killed
I won’t have sympathy
If I didn’t you’ll agree
It would only lessen me
© Copyright 2015, Cedric McClester. All rights reserved.
I Recognize is a response to New York Post columnist Michael Goodwin's criticism of President Obama, New York Mayor Bill deBlasion and Rev. All Sharpton in the wake of the death of 25 year old Police Officer Brian Moore. All three have on occasion been critical where warranted of police and policing tactics. This is not to suggest that they don't support the police in general. So this was written in their collective voice.
(New York, New York)
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