Final Inspection

The Soldier Stood And Faced His God
Which Must Always Come To Pass
He Hoped His Shoes Were Shining Bright
Just As Brightly As His Brass

"Step Forward Now Soldier
How Shall I Deal With You?
Have You 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 Rough
I've Had To Break Your Rules My Lord
Because The World Is Awfully Tough


But I Never Took A Thing
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 Will Understand"


There Was A Silence All Around The Throne
Where The Saints Often Trod
The Soldier Waited Quietly
For The Judgement Of His God


Step Forward Now Soldier
You've Borne Your Burdens Well
Come Walk Peacefully On Heaven's Streets
You've Done Your Time In "Hell"

~ Author Unknown ~