Advice From The Old Guy

Thirty years have come and gone, so quickly they do pass,

Just yesterday, a new recruit, in a brand new training class.

The people I have worked with, and things that I have done,

Forever burned in memory, the bad things and the fun.

Grant Driver and Al Patrick, my trainers I must thank,

Whose lessons I was taking, their advice was always frank.

Squad mates who have come and gone, one to other things,

Their friendship and camaraderie, thoughts that each one brings.

My career is in its twilight, and will soon be at its end,

I can’t believe the day is near, some advice I’d like to send.

Remember something, I was taught, one dark and stormy night,

If you are not having fun at work, you are not working right.

Keep your sense of humour, see the lighter side in all,

When things are at their darkest, keep right on walking tall.

For the thoughts of all the criminals, mean nothing to the rest,

You are serving for the citizens, so always do your best.

Maybe you just started, but, remember what I say,

Your time will pass by rapidly, to your own departure day.

Treat everyone with great respect, even if it is unearned,

For in every situation, there’s a lesson to be learned.

So now to you I pass the torch, for you to light your way,

Take the opportunity, to savour every day.

The one great wish for all of you, in closing with this thought,

Please be safe, then carry on, and give it all you’ve got.

PC 664 T.J. Gowdyk (207) 05-03-28

This poem was written for the TV Show “To Serve and Protect” the show aired May 1, 2005