~~~~~~~~~~~~THE FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
''Step forward now ,you soldier
How shall Ideal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?''
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
''No Lord, I guess I ain't'
Because those of us
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills go just to steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes ,God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.''
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.
''Step forward now, you soldier,
You've born your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.''
Author unknown
KOTC
Old Stone Walls And Ripe Damsons...And being Lucky...
