In honor of Memorial Day I thought I would share this poem – a tribute to all the soldiers who know that the cost of freedom is not free.

The Final Inspection 

(Author Unknown)

 

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, 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 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 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 a silence all 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 Heaven’s street,

You’ve done your time in Hell.”