The Final Inspection.

A Veterans Day Thought.The Final Inspection.

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 shoulder and said,

“No, Lord, I guess I ain't...

Because of 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!”