![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.barbdahlgren.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Soliders2.jpg\" "\\"Soliders\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Final Inspection\u00a0<\/h1>\n
(Author Unknown)<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Soldier stood and faced God,<\/p>\n
Which must always come to pass.<\/p>\n
He hoped his shoes were shining,<\/p>\n
Just as brightly as his brass.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cStep forward now, Soldier.<\/p>\n
How shall I deal with you?<\/p>\n
Have you always turned the other cheek?<\/p>\n
To My Church have you been true?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Lord, I guess I ain\u2019t,<\/p>\n
Because those of us who carry guns,<\/p>\n
Can’t always be a saint.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I’ve had to work most Sundays,<\/p>\n
And at times my talk was tough.<\/p>\n
And sometimes I’ve been violent,<\/p>\n
Because the world is awfully rough.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
But I never passed a cry for help,<\/p>\n
Though at times I shook with fear,<\/p>\n
And sometimes, God, forgive me,<\/p>\n
I’ve wept unmanly tears.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I know I don’t deserve a place<\/p>\n
Among the people here.<\/p>\n
They never wanted me around,<\/p>\n
Except to calm their fear.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,<\/p>\n
It needn’t be so grand.<\/p>\n
I never expected or had too much,<\/p>\n
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
There was a silence all around the throne,<\/p>\n
Where the saints had often trod,<\/p>\n
As the Soldier waited quietly,<\/p>\n
For the judgment of his God.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cStep forward now, you Soldier<\/p>\n
You’ve borne your burdens well.<\/p>\n
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s street,<\/p>\n
You’ve done your time in Hell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In honor of Memorial Day I thought I would share this poem \u2013 a tribute to all the soldiers who know that the cost of freedom is not free. The Final Inspection\u00a0 (Author Unknown) \u00a0 The Soldier stood and faced … Continue reading