The Kindly Copper

Oh, for that kindly copper
   I knew long years ago,
A stalwart man and proper,
   Crime's unrelenting foe.
He was for me a shield, a friend
Who sole concern was to defend
   Such just rights as I know.
 
My bedtime thoughts went with him
   What time his forthright feet,
In slow and measured rhythm,
   Patrolled his midnight beat;
And, knowing he was on my side,
I blessed him, snugly satisfied,
   Our concord was complete.
 
And now,  tho' we've neglected
   No duty, sought no change,
This friend I once respected
   Half hostile grows, and strange.
They've made of him a hybrid thing:
And jobs we both dislike now bring
   Him well within my range.
 
His stern eye holds suspicions
   I feel I don't deserve
Re rules and requisitions
   That fairly get my nerve.
And, when I motor thro' the land,
His great, prohibitive, red hand
   Restrains my merry verve.
 
They give him duties menial --
   Jobs that no proud cop asks;
So that he, once so genial,
   No more in favor basks.
And I am quite convinced the pop --
Ularity of any cop
   Must suffer thro' these tasks.