Final Inspection

I'm sure this has been around, but I think it is something that should go around again.

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, Soldier ,
How  shall I deal 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 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 got 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 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  the saints had often trod.
As  the Soldier waited quietly,
For  the judgment of his God.
'Step  forward now, you Soldier,
You've  borne your burdens well.
Walk  peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've  done your time in Hell.'
Author  Unknown~

 It's  the Soldier, not the  reporter Who  has given us the freedom of the  press
It's  the Soldier, not the poet, Who  has given us the freedom of  speech.
It's  the Soldier, not the  politicians That  ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of  Happiness..
It's  the Soldier who salutes the  flag, Who  serves beneath the flag, 
And whose coffin is  draped by the flag.

God Bless All--johnnyb