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~

It’s the Soldier, not the reporter

Who has given us freedom of the press.

It’s the Soldier, not the poet,

Who has given us freedom of speech.

It’s the Soldier, not the politicians that ensures

Our right to Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness.

It’s the Soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves beneath the flag,

And whose coffin is draped by the flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the military, please pass this on. I did!—Airman Robert R. (Dick) Perue, USAF, a proud veteran of the Wyoming Air National Guard, 1959-1965, saluting all who served.