THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Police Officer 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, Police Officer.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The Police Officer squared his shoulders and
Said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays, and at
Times my talk was rough,
And sometimes I've been violent, because
The streets are awfully tough.

"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've 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 folks here,
They never wanted me around except to
Calm their fear.

"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 silence all around the throne
Where saints had often trod,
As the Police Officer waited quietly, for the
Judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, my Police Officer. You've
Borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.

~Author Unknown~