Poet’s Corner: The Measure of a Man

Published 11:02 pm Wednesday, January 13, 2016

The Measure of a Man

Unless you really knew Bruce

You would not understand

So many things to consider

In the measure of this man

He loved his children and his wife

He loved his work … and life …

And if someone was in need

He’d answer with God- speed

It was a work of service

Of laughter and of tears

But unless you really knew him

He’d admit to have no fears

He treated all with fairness

To them he left no doubt

No matter who, right or wrong

He’d help you work it out

So many crossed his path

In one way or another

Some of those he arrested

Often felt treated as a brother

His smile was ever present

Some say it was contagious

Something tragic took it away

The circumstance outraged us

Count his years of service

They made up half his life

A figure made significant

One dark and sad cold night

I’d like to know him better

But the chance I’ll never have

To look inside and understand

The measure of this man

In Memory of Alaska State Trooper Bruce A. Heck

Killed in the line of duty Jan. 10, 1997

— Written by his friends