To Protect and to Serve*

I have learned
The oath
To Protect and to Serve
Is less an oath
Registered in roll calls
And pay vouchers
As it is one
Registered in Heaven.

An eternal oath.
A costly oath.
An oath encased
Within Divine Records
Impossible to void.

I have tried.
I have asked to be dismissed
From responsibility
Complaining I had already
Given enough
Bled enough
Cared enough.

I explained my weariness.
I suggested others are
More capable
Younger
Smarter
Eager to serve.

The answer was firm.
It came as a simple response.

Request denied.

Standing there
I had nothing further to say.
I retrieved my burden
And walked back.
Back.
Not away.

The call
To Protect and to Serve
Is without repentance.
It is a life-long commitment.
It may
Or may no longer wear a badge.

But it cannot be surrendered
Or recanted.

It is forever.


*Every parent who loves a child, every marital couple, even every pet owner (no, I'm not kidding) is expected to Protect and to Serve. You may walk out on your responsibilities, but your responsibilities never diminish, nor disappear. Although the phrase is found on patrol car panels, it is expected that all those who love someone, or something, is expected To Protect and to Serve. That's how I see it.