Calling all police poets! Police1’s poetry column highlights some of the inspirational, moving and funny poems authored by our readers.
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This poem is by retired Police Captain John Jaros, who served with the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department for more than 36 years. Now an active member of both the Lake County Blue Coats and the Greater Cleveland Peace Officer Memorial Society, John continues to honor the law enforcement profession through service and song.
What began as a deeply personal project became something much bigger. Inspired by Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” John rewrote the verses to reflect the sorrow, strength and sacrifice of police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. After many rewrites, the poem was submitted to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and selected to be performed as a prelude to the National Candlelight Vigil in 2022 during Police Week.
Performed by John’s friend and fellow Mentor resident Andy DiLiello (see video below)
, the piece has resonated with survivors and officers alike, and has also featured at the Greater Cleveland Peace Officer Memorial Service and other solemn occasions. Though originally set to music, it stands alone as a poem with quiet power and reverence.
We share John’s words here to honor those who’ve fallen, and to comfort those who carry their memory forward.
Email your original poem for consideration to Poem: If This Uniform Could Talk
