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 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 Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the
press. It's the Military,! not the poet, who has given us the freedom of
speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Military who salutes
the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the
flag. If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and
appreciation for the Military, please pass this on and pray for our men and
women who have served and are currently serving our country and pray for
those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.



Its Better To Be Hated For What Your Are, Then To Be Loved For What Your
Not.

It's fortunate that being true to the Church and turning the other cheek aren't the criterion for entering heaven, or we'd all be going straight to Hell!  Good stuff!

-James

Dupe x1000. But, this is posted on my wall just above my laptop screen in my barracks room. Right next to the POW/MIA flag, the US flag, and the Culpeper minute men flags.

Yea,I kinda liked this one to,nice to get something worth reading as opposed to most of the mindless crap people usually send.

Just had to say it didn't ya. Thanks for your service JSteensen.

Dupe, but well worth reading many times so BTT

I love that poem.

fantastic read! thank-you for posting.