THE FINAL INSPECTION

[Your Uncle Sam]

The Soldier 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, young 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,

“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t,

Because the world is awfully rough-

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, dear Lord, 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, dear 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, young Soldier-

You’ve borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,

You’ve done your time in Hell.”

Author Unknown

[PHILIP SCHNEIDER]

I weep.