The
Marine 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, Marine,
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,
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
know I don't deserve a place,
They
never wanted me around,
Except
to calm their fears.
If
you've a place for me here, Lord,
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 Marine waited quietly,
For
the judgment of his God.
"Step
forward now, you Marine,
You've
borne your burdens well.
Walk
peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've
done your time in Hell."
It's
the Soldier, not the reporter
who has given us the freedom of the
press.
It's
the Soldier, not the poet,
who has given us the freedom of
speech.
It's
the Soldier, not the politicians
that ensures our right to Life,
Liberty, and the 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 and pray for our
men and women
who
have served and are currently serving
our country
and
pray for those who have given the
ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
"Lord, hold
our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they
protect us. Bless them and their
families for the selfless acts they
perform for us in our time of need.
Amen."
