The Final Inspection

[Moderator]

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 Marine
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 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 alot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep

And I never passed a cry for help
Though 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 all the Saints trod
As the Marine waited quietly
For the judgment of his God

"Step forward now, you Marine
You have bore your burdens well
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets
You've done your time in Hell."