The Final Inspection

           The soldier stood and faced his 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.

               Unknown

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