Tonight, there are no words, just tears to cry --
a community bereft, left in shock;
an officer has fallen, no dry eyes,
our inner sanctum breached, our locks unlocked.
Our hearts are broken by this senseless crime --
why can't we all just live our lives in peace?
Now we are left with pieces - over time,
I hope the pain in shattered hearts will cease.
A family has had their lives undone --
an officer upheld oath he had sworn;
lost to a criminal who had a gun,
as premonition sent to him forewarned.
Our officer had his integrity,
he shared his apprehension on that night,
his duty to protect society
brought consequences - fatal was his plight.
He went to work with thoughts he may be shot --
his duty sworn was to protect and serve,
we're fortunate the criminal was caught,
this death was premature and not deserved.
The criminal will now live out his life
behind steel bars to cage his rage and hate.
The children who lost their father, a wife,
and our community will contemplate --
we'll mourn the man who's life is gone, undue -
we'll honor him in vigil and in song,
we'll ask you to respect our men in blue,
and plead with all mankind to get along.
Our community has a golden heart,
as neighbors we'll repair the damage done;
and though, right now, we feel so ripped apart,
we pledge to stand together, all as one.
In tragedy, resilience will prevail --
just turn to one another for the strength,
we'll find the light to guide us down this trail,
and suffer not this loss for untoward length,
our officer had lived a life of faith,
he'll light the lamp eternal as our guide,
don angel wings and not the guise of wraith,
protecting us, his presence at our side.
As Sgt. Brandt will grace our memory,
unwavering in his true love for God,
he lived his life, a man exemplary --
we'd do as well to take the path he trod.
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Author Notes
My deepest condolences and prayers for Sgt. Brandt's family and the people of Fairbanks, Alaska, who collectively are known as the Golden Heart Community.
May he rest in peace.
Image and video courtesy of the Fairbanks Police Department.
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