I just wanted to share this poem. It's been circulating amongst many of my army friends on Facebook since the loss of the 6 British Soldiers in an IED explosion. It's very touching and meaningful for anyone who has served and/or anyone who has lost someone who was serving. Some of you may have heard it before.


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 foward now you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek,
And 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 saints

"I've had to work most Sundays
And at times my talk was tough
And sometimes I've been violent
Because the streets were awfully rough"

But I never took a penny,
That was'nt mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got to steep,

And I never passed a cry for help
Although, at times I shook with fear
And sometimes, God forgive
I've wept unmanly tears

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here
That never wanted me around
Except to calm there fears

If you have a place for me here O' Lord
It needn't be so grand
I've never expected, or had so much
But if you don't I'll understand"

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the Saints had often trod
As this soldier waited quietly
For the judgment from his God

"Step foward now you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell"

   

Awesome Newfy, Thanks!

   

+ 5 Newfy

   

Make that + 10.

   

+20

   

Ditto.

Had not heard this one before. Very touching.

   

It has also been done with policeman substituted for soldier.

   

Amen Brother!

   

Have you been told yet today ?

   

I would very much like to print and frame this poem for display at my local Legion. Many people in town would prefer to forget that Soldiers gave their lives for their country, and that many more offered their lives.

   

Thanks for the post, Newfy!

   

I'm actually going to echo eureka here since I've seen it with firefighter substituted. That doesn't make it a bad thing though, just more portable.