FINAL INSECTION

>>> Pray-4-them, as they may forget, in Battle <<<

The original poem has been a favorite of mine for many years,
having seen some of the ravages of War.

My heart yearned to edit it to hopefully give it more Depth,
So, I submit the poem, as my heart feels it need be offered:

FINAL INSPECTION
Author unknown / (Edit by Arley 092616)

The soldier stood there, facing God,
Which, must always come to pass,
Knowing his shoes were shining,
As brightly as his brass.

'Step forward, mighty soldier,
And I shall deal with you,
Have you turned the cheek, and lent a shoulder;
To My Church, have you been true?'

At attention, Soldier did reply,
'No LORD, I fear that I have not,
In my profession, people die,
Being Saintly slips to Second thought.

I've had to work most Sundays,
At times my talk was rough,
Often, using violent ways,
When Diplomacy was not enough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep,
So I worked a lot of part-time,
When the bills just got too deep.

I never passed a cry for help,
And sometimes shook with fear,
Please, Dear God forgive me,
I've even wept unmanly tear.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the fine people here,
They seldom recognized my face,
Except, to calm their fear.

If you have a place for me, LORD,
It needn't be so grand.
I'd not complain, if it be a board,
If you don't, I'll understand.'

In Throne Room, utter silence
As Saints awaited God to speak,
Ramrod straight, the Soldiers stance,
The moments silence, felt like a Week.

'Step to my Right, Young Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've spent your time in Hell.'

AMEN (So Be It Done)

The boots are muddy, the Brass ain't bright,
But their hearts shine like the Sun,
Having Faith in God on High,
Through His Only Begotten Son.

Bless them, Oh God, every-one,
Who keep us safe from harm,
May their Reward honor Your Son,
When the Universe, can Disarm.

AMEN