THE FINAL INSPECTION
The Marine 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 Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?”
The Marine 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 Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God,
“Step forward now, you Marine,
You’ve borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.”
5 Comments
Padlatrak
Aug 28 2008 22:01
What a Tribute!
This should be posted on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.
God bless all the brave soldiers who protect our freedom!
24girl80
Aug 28 2008 19:56
thanks
my fiance is army and hes been deployed since february i pray everyday for his safety and the safety for all our men.
can79feb
Aug 28 2008 19:20
great blog
I’m from a miltary family of navy, and army. I pray for our Troops, and that God will watch for them as they walk in harm’s way.
24girl80
Aug 28 2008 18:58
im not
im not related to any marines but my fiance is in the army and the way i see it they are all brothers
18packAbs
Aug 28 2008 18:53
Great Blog
Semper Fi.