A soldiers final inspection

[2006PSDSD]

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.



Take time today to remember the more than 2400 people that dies this day, 68 years ago at Pearl Harbor

[westcoaststrokin]

Great post Nick.

[Dave]

[TexasR.N.]

Originally Posted by westcoaststrokin

Great post Nick.

Agreed.

Craig

[Snowman66]

[Barchetta]

Amen brother!

Great post.

[Rockstar Edition]

that is an EXCELLENT poem, and very well put. I hope all the men who have passed now have a great place to rest in peace. let's not have another day that goes by that the world forgets a fallen soldier, they've all earned the respect and gratitude and to forget that sometimes they were here or there is quite a disrespect for someone who gave their lives for freedom of the US people.

Chad

[SuperCrutyPS]

That's awesome!

[2006PSDSD]

When I got off the tram at the airport yesterday, there were 4 older men holding full size (3x5) flags on poles, and they were there just to thank and give thanks to soldiers that they saw getting off the tram after there flight from wherever they were. It was heart warming to see a soldier get off the tram just behind us, and see these guys start clapping and running up to shake his hand; he was awestruck by the gesture

[Mrs. westcoaststrokin]

Great post Nick. People just need to remember we aren't here to judge each other.