The Wolf Hunter by Jason Henderson

As a literary journal housed in Fredericton, we at The Fiddlehead were moved when we received a poem from Deputy Sheriff Jason Henderson in the wake of the shooting on August 10th in our city. “The Wolf Hunter” is written in honour of law enforcement and is dedicated to Cst Robb Costello and Cst. Sara Burns of the Fredericton Police Force, both of whom were murdered that day along with citizens Donnie Robichaud and Bobbie-Lee Wright. We wish strength to everyone affected by these deaths.
—Sue Sinclair, Editor

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The Wolf Hunter

In honour of Law Enforcement, who put their lives and safety on the line every day.
Special Dedication to my fallen brother and sister with the Fredericton Police Force, Const. Robb Costello and Const. Sara Burns

You donned your armour, from head to toe in blue,
“I will see you soon,” heartfelt and hoping it is true.
Eyes of steel, watching over them all,
With honour and integrity, you stand proud and tall.

You took an oath to protect and serve,
With all that is in you, the peace you‘ll preserve.
When the radio calls, your heart skips a beat,
Running to danger, unsure if it’s the wolf you will meet.

“Shots Fired, Shots Fired,” an earth shattering sound,
Bury your fears deep inside, this man must be found!
Through the tears in your eyes, the lights red and blue,
Your mission is clear, protect their lives before you.

Swallow your fears, run into the fray,
Safety of your brothers and sisters is all that you pray.
Chaos and terror encompasses the ground,
Your presence brings order and hope all around.

Another day’s dawn, the wolf has been caught,
Everyone rejoices, its justice they sought.
You know in your heart you’ve done a good thing,
But you fear the truth is, from the darkness another will bring.

Alone in the shadows is your time to lament,
The horrors you witness weigh your soul like cement.
Once again your armour is donned, so proud to be blue,
“I will see you soon,” heartfelt and hoping it is true.

When the radio calls, your heart skips a beat,
Running to danger, unsure if it’s the wolf you will meet . . .

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Jason Henderson is a sworn peace officer and Deputy Sheriff for the Department of Justice and Public Safety of New Brunswick and has been so employed since 2007. When not at work Jason finds his peace through wilderness hiking, spending time with his family, or reading a good book.