In Honor of the Slain Police Officer

What kind of country are we becoming?

I read the news of a police officer in New York,

being fatally shot by a gunman.

As I saw his funeral procession, my heart broke.

He was a young father and wife was pregnant,

He was immigrant like me, who came to a foreign land,

for a better future, working hard,

giving the best of self to community and service,

staying in ethical path, true to conscience.

And this is what destiny gave in return?

Coming in the path of a deranged man,

his precious life was lost.

I’m noticing this pattern,

these days, living safe and long,

isn’t just about making good decisions,

but also about not being,

in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But how can a public service officer choose that?

it's beyond their control, their job is to maintain law and order.

Can we, please, learn to save our mind

from getting sick, from emotional collapse,

so we don't turn monsters,

ruining lives and dreams of others?

Note: NYPD policeman Didarul Islam was one of four people killed by a gunman, in New York. Any loss of life is sad, but a police in service, immigrant and father of small children, with a pregnant wife left behind, breaks heart. I get goosebumps all over and tears flow in solidarity with the bereaved family.

Can we learn to not lose our mind and not create such chaos, in the lives of unsuspecting people?