edward Combs, jr

The Final Inspection
Author Unknown


The airman 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, airman,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The airman squared his shoulders and
said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who protect our country and freedom
Can't always be a saint.


I've had to work most Sundays, holidays, fight wars,
and do hardship tours away from my family.
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 airman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God,


"Step forward now, airman,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

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"you can always find me at work"

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