The Passage of Time

By Peter J. Killeen, Ed.D.

[Composed for the Port Authority’s 122nd Academy Class]

The time is close to say goodbye 
To friends, you’ve come to know 
There’ve been ups and downs along the way 
But now it’s time go 

The world today is a complex one 
With uncertainty and unrest 
But you’ve been trained throughout your time here 
By the Academy’s very best 

Forget not what you have learned 
For it will keep you from most harm 
Don’t do this, and perhaps try that 
When you need to remain calm 

As you progress in your career 
Take time and look around 
At the differences that you might have made 
When you had to stand your ground 

To be a cop is no easy task 
I think you will soon see 
But you have all the knowledge to do the job 
The best that you can be 

You’ve survived six months and reached the end 
You should all be very proud 
When you leave this building for the final time 
Give thanks and say out loud 

I will protect and serve each day 
To fulfill the oath I made 
And wear my badge so bold with honor 
Until time begins to fade 

I see it now, so bright and clear 
The work I’ve come to know 
But as the years pass by, you’ll understand 
“When it’s time to go.”