Final Inspection

[Grog]

My Father, who is a thirty year veteran of both the USMC (1952-56) and the US Air Force (1956-82) sent me this. Thought some of you might like it.





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

 

[Pam]

That was really good!

 

[mhopset]

Very Good!

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Thanks for sharing!!! As a wife of a veteran, I think I'll print that out for him!

 

[Kirby]

Thank you for sharing that with us! Tell your dad thank you too!