Final Inspection
written by Sgt. Joshua Helterbran
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 your always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulder 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 have 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 judgement of his God.
"Step forward, now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burden well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
