"The Final Inspection"

Like a lot of people, I get those chain-emails that go around and around the "e-verse". Some of them are laugh-out-loud funny, some of them are silly, and some of them are real tear-jerkers. Unless the email message is really good, or really funny, I usually don't pass them along....at least not since my son told me he really doesn't read "Mom Spam." When I do pass them along, it's only to a select few that I know will appreciate the humor or will be touched by the message.

Having said that....today I got an email from a very good friend. I know I've seen this email before, and was touched by it then. I don't remember if I passed it along, or not, but for some reason I feel compelled to post the email's poem....so here it is:

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,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~

h/t Mutt & Jeff