The Vest
Lt. Craig Akard
Lawton, Oklahoma Police Department

The weather was hot and muggy,
The air extremely heavy,
All the equipment you must wear
Is more than you can carry.

9 1/2 hours in the heat
Accidents all day long
Your uniform is soaked and sticky
But your shift is almost done.

One last car you must stop
A red light he did run
You walk up to the window
And suddenly see a gun.

The last thoughts that you had
And for eternity you must bear
Images of family, friends and loved ones
And the vest you did not wear.