For The Military Minded

There's a new ship on the way, perhaps. Steel has the deal.

And below is something from the mail bag I have been meaning to post. It's about time.

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~

Comments

[AkekoaHoAlethia]

I pray for the soldiers who fight for our freedom.
They make scarifices that are too magnificent for me to imagine.

Thanks Dan

[Sly2SmoothieNJs]

From a Navy Vet..........that is touching.

[Survivor]

I don't post here much but I found this one worth posting to. I have a great respect for our soldiers and what they are doing for us and our country.

God Bless Them All!

[Howie]

Kind of has that Robert Service feel to it. Goo d poem.

[OhioMom]

Wow, this says it all. I am going to pass this around and put a copy on my refrigerator.

OhioMom

[GrannyToad]

The poem also has an Abou Ben Adhem (James Leigh Hunt) "feel" to it.

[CindyLouWho]

Thanks for sharing this Dan...

I assume it's ok to forward on.

There is an FM radio talk show in my area called Extreme Games and the host is Jay Severin (he also does some interviews and talk shows mostly on MSNBC I think). I will email this to him. Jay is very supportive of our military. Whenever a caller mentions that he is or has been in the military Jay says "thank-you". He also says "thank-you" to police and firefighters. Simple words that I'm sure our service men don't hear often enough.

[Joanne]

I can barely see to write this. It has deeply touched me.
These are the most beautiful, thought provoking words I have read in a while.
I will save it and share it.
Thank you Dan for sharing it with us.

[JailLess1]

OMG...that was so deep. It was beautiful!

[SupportOurTroops]

Thank you for sharing Dan. This poem is so well written! GOD BLESS AMERICA!