COMING HOME

As I adorn myself with badge and belt, I wish my loved ones well.
If there is any fear in me, even they can't tell.
Soon after I arrive to work and walk among the cells.
I literally smile through the inmates' taunts and yells.
They all try to bait me and then wonder why I don't bite.
But I'm smiling because I know this: They'll still be here tonight.
While sitting at a table is the extent of their fun,
After my 12 hours I will play ball with my son.
So they can sit and make-believe that they are in control,
But reality will hit them hard when I throw them in the hole.
So go 'head, criminals, bring it on, see if I'll break or bend,
I know that, unlike your time here, mine soon comes to an end.
Tonight while you lay crying after the judge hands you your fate,
I'll go home to my family and eat off of a hot plate.
So get upset and yell at me and, if you must, then try to fight.
Cuz after all is said and done, guess who's going home tonight.
And when you scream, kick, and get mean cuz you don't like what you're told,
I laugh cuz it's less than I've seen come from my 2-year-old.
And when I hit the streets I'll do my job with fortitude and might,
I'll protect the citizens, then I'll go home tonight.
You want to hurt somebody?  You want to victimize?
Come over here and start with me, there's no fear in these eyes.
If it comes down to you and me, I know who will walk away.
I've got an army full of brothers who will jump into the fray.
And when I hook you up and you spit and try to bite,
I'll haul you off to jail, then I'll go home tonight.
And when one of you comes to seek revenge (and the time will come around,)
Know that I won't hesitate to put you in the ground.
Because after my shift is done, with all the fury and the fight,
I made this promise long ago: I'll come home every night.