For many years he walked a beat
Became a detective when the chance arrived
Moved up through the ranks
Was second in command
I spent many days and nights
Worrying with my mom
Would he be safe
Would he come home
But retirement came eventually
And with it the “golden years”
His wife grew ill and died
Then his health began to fail
But he kept his sense of humor
Right up to that fateful night
When I saw him draw his last breath
And now this holiday feel so empty
Without his loving presence
But he will always live
In my heart forever
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – detective