We don't carry a gun or a stick
We deal with situations that would make many sick
On our beat many times out numbered 70+ to 1
At all times it is scary and sometimes can be fun
We wear and badge like our counterparts on the streets
But most will never come into contact with the number of felons we meet
We face daily attacks most verbal some not
But we still press on without giving it a thought
Our only lifeline a radio or a phone
Hoping if that day comes we wont be left there alone
If the call not received or not able to be made
On that line we know our lives are laid
We work on holidays nights and weekends too
Days and shifts some "normal" people sleep through
The days can be long and the pay not fit
But in the middle of hell we still choose to sit
So that you can sleep tight
Knowing that the bad guys are away
And there an officer sits keeping it that way
We serve and protect like the men and women in blue
But the outside world fails to see what we do
No matter what is said or done
We keep moving on
And our beat behind the wall keeps going on.
By Albert Small
SCDOC Correctional Officer
