The Retired Policeman — A Poem by Patrick Shrum

As a public servant, former police detective Patrick Shrum served with the utmost dedication. He received numerous awards for his work, including the Presidential Service Certificate Award for Honorable Service in the White House and the highest law enforcement award, the Medal of Valor. Patrick Shrum is also an author who has published three poems, including the Retired Policeman.

The poem reveals the thoughts of a former police officer as he stares at his reflection in a mirror. His work was fraught with danger and the desire to give justice to those who had died. His father assigned to homicide, he remembers the cases he solved and the killers he had to confront.

He recalls the drug busts, having to fire his gun, and remaining loyal and dedicated to his profession, despite the difficulties and challenges. It was a career he found hard, but one he now misses. Old and drinking too much, he has post-traumatic stress disorder, but it’s a price he was all too willing to pay for justice to prevail. This engrossing poem can be read at police-writers.com.