Philadelphia

“Brotherly love” the name implies,

though history won’t attest

for once again we have to lay

an officer to rest

 

As neighbors pray with heavy hearts

for husbands, fathers gone

others in the brotherhood

bravely carry on

 

Too many good men taken down,

our city’s greatest shame;

when will Philadelphia

live up to her good name?

Author's Note

Last week, another Philadelphia police officer was killed in the line of duty. He was a husband and father of two boys. He was 30 years old.

Reviews

[Damien Thibodeaux]

Great rhythm to this Rita, as always, technically very good. Your poem is current. Your poetry so often reflects how real life affects your thoughts. It keeps me coming back for more.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Damien. I write what presents itself, for good or bad. I suppose it's my way of dealing with the world around me...

[Neville]

Hey, your motivation behind this extremely poignant write is clear. A tragedy indeed....Take care, go well and All Good Things, N

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Neville.

[Beccy]

Beneath the veneer, today's world is a cruel and dangerous place and if not for the brave men and women of police forces everywhere, it would be even more dangerous.

For such sacrifice we should remain ever grateful.

Beccy.

[Rita L. Sev]

Agreed. Thank you, Beccy.

[h d e rushin]

Philly is no different than anyplace that has to be policed. And policing in the 21st century is the
toughest job on the planet. I felt your pain in this write Rita. I have been to Philadelphia, those
rows of connecting houses and narrow streets. It's a very proud city. But in todays world,
even the proudest of places know pain.

well done...dana

[Rita L. Sev]

You have described my home perfectly, Dana - rows of connecting houses, and for the most part, connected neighbors. Close quarters make it all the more difficult to see this happening. You are right - keeping the peace is the toughest job. Thank you.

[cycy]

MHSRIP, very well written dear, im sorry for the loss of the man and my heart goes to the family, kudos to you for writing such an inspiring and heart warming piece and reminding us all that be it in philadelphia or anywhere else that brothely love and spirit of caring and compassion must still take precedence.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Cycy...

[Lydia Shutter]

How very sad. It seems there is little respect for police officers these days. They put their lives on the line every day. Too much violence in every part of our world these days. A heartfelt write. Lydi**

[Rita L. Sev]

It is so disheartening... but so many of our citizens are rallying to show appreciation for our men in blue, too. :)

[Samuel Dickens]

I share in your sadness. The entire world, it seems, has gone loco. I wish for peace, but it seems in scarce supply.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sam... So much sadness in the world, yet still so much cause to rejoice...

[ANTO]

It must be hard for the inhabitants to have to see that on the news all the time and then to see city PR people to promote it as something else - must create a weird dichotomy in peoples heads. God Bless the officers family who he leaves behind. Terrible.
Your pen is dignity itself though Rita and I admire you for posting this.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you for that, Anto. I truly love my city, but this kind of event is so sad and frustrating...

[ANTO]

That love comes through loud and clear Rita. Well said, my friend. God Bless

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

When I moved there from California I was surprised by all the prejudice and racial tension in that area… I guess it don'r live up to its title.

[Rita L. Sev]

For the city where Independence was born, it has a lot of work to do... Thank you, Dale!

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

I do agree with that… with you there they are on the right coarse.

[Devanshu Rajput]

Well, though the very means of this poetry you have given a great tribute, to the immortal soul who sacrificed his life for the well-being of others. Let, me add the officer has not dies, because there are people like you who will remember him. Because, dead is who, who is forgotten.

We in India, have the identical feeling of brave soldiers, who protect us from enemies. They do not sleep, so that we can sleep in peace, they confront bullets, so that the children of the country have a bright future. I salute those martyrs.

I nice yet, sad poem.

Devanshu

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Devanshu. You are right - the brave officers who give their lives in service are never forgotten...

[Devanshu Rajput]

You are welcome.

Devanshu