In Memoriam
The Final Inspection The Marine stood and faced his God Which must always come to pass He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass. Step forward now, you Devil-Dog, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my Church have you been true? The Marine squared his shoulders and said, No Lord, I guess I am not Because those of us who carry guns Cannot always be a saint. I have had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I have been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough. But, I never took a penny That was not mine to keep Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills just got too steep. And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear, And sometimes, God forgive me, I have wept unmanly tears. And I know I do not deserve a place Among the people here, They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears. If you have a place for me here, Lord, It need not be so grand, I never expected or had too much, But if you do not, I will understand. There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod As the Marine waited quietly, For the judgment of his God. Step forward now, Marine You have borne your burdens well, Walk peacefully on Heavens streets, You have done your time in Hell” |
|||