The Final Inspection

**Warning: You may need a tissue**

The Final Inspection

The solider 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 solider,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek
And to my church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord, I guess I aint,
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 streets were awfully rough

But I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help
Although, at times I shook with fear
And sometimes, God forgive me
I've wept ummanly tears

I know I dont deserve a place
Among the people here
That never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears

If you have place for me here O'Lord
It needn't be so grand
I've never expected, or had so much
But if you don't, I'll understand

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the Saints had often trod
As this solider waited quietly
For the judgment from his God

"Step forward now you solider
You've borne your burden's well
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell"

(IN MEMORY TO ALL THAT HAVE SERVED - Author Unknown)