The Final Inspection

The Soldier stood and Faced god,
Which must always come to Pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just a Brightly as his brass.

Step forward now you Soldier
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been True?

THe Soldier Quared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord, I guess I ain't.
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 were just too steep."

"And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God Forgive me,
I've wept un-manly tears."

"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 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 Bourn your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's Streets
You've Done your Time in Hell.

Written By: SGT Cruz, US Army, 3ID (Mech) Ft. Stewart, GA
Copywrite 2005