A shot was fired today
A gun wrapped in a window cord

A hired finger on the trigger
A leader in the scope

A sound like fireworks
A rippling scream echoing from the crowd

A squad takes down the man to blame
A president stands to joyful tears.




But today was not a happy day
When the streets should sing with mirth

Because beside the crowd
Outside the spotlight

A man stood in a black suit
His only crime a laminated badge

Without a second thought
He stepped forward when he heard the noise

To protect the man and do his job
The final move of a bodyguard.




There will be no half raised flags.
There will be no nation’s tears.

No trappings of American stripes
No trumpeting of his name

A few black chairs, fewer grayed faces
Shedding tears around his grave

There will be no mention of the man
By whom the president was saved

But he bore the cross with honor
Carve “Hero” on his grave.