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 judgment 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~
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom
>>>of >the press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the
>>>freedom of >speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that
ensure
>>>our right to
>>>
>>> >Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Military who
>>>salutes >the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is
>>>draped by
>>>the >flag.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and
>>> >appreciation for the Military, please pass this on and pray for
our men
>>>and >women who have served and are currently serving our country and
pray
>>>for >those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom
2006-11-04
07:08:17
·
7 answers
·
asked by
Anonymous