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 isn’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 word is awfully rough

But I've never took a penny

That wasn't mine to keep

Though I've work a lot of over time

When the bills got just to steep

And I've never past 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 to much

But if you don't I'll understand

There was a silence 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 heavens streets

You've done your time in hell

Author Unknown

Pictures from Kandahar

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