I read a version of this poem at least 5 years ago, and it was about a policeman. I don't know who wrote the original, but it definitely wasn't a soldier that is currently in Iraq.
Soldier:
> >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 ain'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 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 soldier waited quietly,
> >For the judgement of his God.
> >
> >"Step forward now, you soldier,
> >You've borne your burdens well.
> >Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
> >You've done your time in Hell."
> >
> >~Author Unknown~
> >
> >Remember, it is the Soldier, not the reporter Who has
> >given us the freedom of the press. It is the Soldier,
> >not the poet, Who has given us the freedom of speech.
> >It is the Soldier Who salutes the flag, Who serves
> >beneath the flag, and Whose coffin is draped by the
> >flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.
> >Please pass this on and pray for our men and women
> >currently serving our country and pray for those who
> >gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
> >
> >
> >Live Well
> >Laugh Often
> >Love Much
Policeman:
"The Final Inspection"
The policeman 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, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders
and said, "No Lord. I guess I ain't.
Because those 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 awful tough."
"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 wept unmanly tears."
"I know I don't deserve a place
among the people 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 policeman waited quietly
for the judgement of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets.
You've done your time in hell."
Submitted by Katherine A. Thompson, former Kansas State Trooper Dispatcher. (can anyone verify this?)
