Calling all police poets! Police1’s poetry column highlights some of the inspirational, moving and funny poems authored by our readers.
This poem is by Officer Adam Mask, who has served his community in western Arkansas with unwavering dedication for nearly 19 years. Like many in law enforcement, Adam has faced the weight of difficult calls and the lasting echoes they leave behind. During one particularly challenging time, he turned to writing as a way to process his emotions and find peace.
The poem he shares was born out of those struggles — a raw, heartfelt reflection on the toll that PTSD can take and the resilience required to keep moving forward. Adam’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking help when the burden becomes too heavy to bear.
As he reflects on his own path toward healing, Adam encourages others who may be struggling to reach out for support, whether through friends, family, or professional resources. His message is clear: “You’re not alone.”
We hope that by sharing Adam Mask’s words, they may bring solace and strength to others walking a similar road. For more information on officer wellness resources, click here.
Email your original poem for consideration to editor@police1.com.
If This Uniform Could Talk
If this uniform could talk, given a mic behind a stand,
Not a soul would testify against it, not a woman, not a man.
If this uniform could talk, and tell of all it’s seen,
The media would tell a different view, having a whole new glean.
If this uniform could talk, it would tell of many a long night,
Having tons of paperwork after a long midnight fight.
After responding to a call of a rollover wreck,
Only to find a child, who’s life had already left.
If this uniform could talk about the life it’s wearer lived,
It would tell you about dedication it’s bearer did give.
If this uniform could talk about the incident we all despise,
You’d hear that it’s wearer did all he could, just to survive.
If this uniform could talk, tell of all the many dangers,
That the life it protected came home crying for complete strangers.
People they didn’t know, who suddenly needed protection,
When the night before, they were filled with rage and insurrection.
What they did before, to the uniform no longer mattered,
They called for help because now they were being battered.
If this uniform could talk and tell of its many stains,
The tears that soaked it so many times, was for someone else’s pain.
If this uniform could talk and tell all there is to tell,
You’d hear of men and women who stayed strong when faced by the evil of hell.
When bullets flew and tempers raged,
They ran toward it, as though they weren’t afraid.
If this uniform could talk, I bet we would change our mind,
About the men and women who wore it, whom we can no longer find.
They gave their all, they answered the call, not knowing it would be their last,
But if this uniform could have told them, they’d been there just as fast.
If this uniform could talk, and give us just a small glimpse,
We’d all say thank you for a life, heaven sent!
— Officer Adam Mask
