Final Inspection
The Marine stood and faced God, which always must 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 always been true?" The Marine Squared his shoulders and said "No Lord, I guess I haven'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 an awfully rough place. But, I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep. Though I've worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got steep, I never passed a cry for help. And at times I shook with fear, and sometimes, God forgive me, I 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 needent be so grand, I've never expected or had much. But if you don't have a place for me Lord, I'll understand." There was silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod as the Marine waited quietly for the judgement of his God. "Step forward, you Marine. You've borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets Marine, you've done your time in Hell.
To all who have served. |
