Stories & Poems About War
FINAL INSPECTION
The Marine stood and faced his God, which will 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, And to my Church 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 on Sundays and at times my talk was tough
And sometimes I've been violent 'cause 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 just got too steep
And I never passed a cry for help though 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've a place for me here Lord, it needn't be so grand
I never asked or had too much - if you don't I'll understand
There was silence all around the Throne where 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 served your time in Hell