A NOSE FOR NEWS
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 Every newspaper has at least one reporter who is permanently assigned
to the "police beat" to cover stories involving the police and crime in general. That job
can be very exciting. It can also be difficult.Reporters have to be objective in reporting the news. Sometimes the
story doesn't make the police look that great. That's not easy for the reporter because,
having covered the law enforcement community for so long, he or she will have many friends
among the cops and have great respect for them.In the end, though, as you certainly know, the truth is the most
important thing. And that is what a good reporter will always tell.THE POLICE BEAT REPORTER Now, this guy works both hard and long Ensuring that his facts ain't wrong. But facts provide so bland a diet Though telling of some war or riot. So often he'll purvey the news Pumped up to ward off urge to snooze. Though from the truth he'd not depart No method of the writer's art Is not deployed most masterf'ly To make the heart beat fasterf'ly. Just read him and then rest assured Toussaud's holds no tableaux more lurid Than those which this reporter views And serves up in the morning news. It gives you shivers, never fail, The way that guy can tell a tale. The spectrum of his writing goes From yellow toward purple prose. Yes, scarce a line in every story Does not convey a tidbit gory. All blood is fresh. Each wound immense. Hey, ain't this stuff a bit intense? They're stabbed and shot and garroted And gushing from the carotid. Stomach of iron, nerves of steel From watching all that blood congeal. You try to get an interview From someone who's just offed a few. Our man's a rock. No fear or wrath While chatting with some psychopath. "Calm down there, lady; just the facts. Now with that axe, how many whacks?" Exaggerate? Well, in defense I'd say it helps to build suspense And keep the paper's leadership In paid subscribers' readership. Just watch the way the paper sells When of some crime our newshound tells. Well, all of us who're fighting crime Appreciate his taking time To hear our stories, tell of them, Make of each a polished gem Embellished with his flashing wit, Though puffed, perhaps, and stretched a bit. Yes, hard work and the writer's skill Convey, along with facts, a thrill. A dash of pure hyperbole Rounds out the tale superbly. Go To TABLE OF CONTENTS  Questions? E-mail Us! CONSTANTINE'S CIRCUS, INC. PO Box 7223 Capitol Station Albany, NY 12224-0223 518-465-4413 518-465-3200 FAX |
