In My Way
Lt. Craig Akard
Lawton, Oklahoma Police Department

What good is a cop? To people I used to say,
Except to cause me trouble by being in my way.

He was in my way when I drove
The streets of my hometown
And when I drove a little to fast
He reminded me to slow down.

He was in the way of my wife and I
The last time we had an argument
He intervened and stopped the fight
And reminded me of a commitment.

He got in the way of my son
When he explained the dangers of dope
A lesson I should have taught
But now I know my son can cope.

He was in the way, the road he blocked
An accident had taken place
But when he pulled a child from the mess
A smile came to the mothers face.

He got in the way the other day
A robbery at my store
A bullet meant for me he did take
And he died there on my floor.

He got in my way again today
That man with a shield upon his chest
The procession long, the mourners many
For today they laid him to rest.

So now when I hear someone say
"Those cops keep getting in my way"
I remember him and that fateful day
And for them all, I kneel and pray.