Amazing Poem

The soldier stood faced God, which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining, just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier, how shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other check? 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 is 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 pass 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 derserve 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 judgement 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.

Remember, it is the Soldier, not the reporter who have given us the freedom of the press. It is the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is drapped by the flag, who allows the protestors to burn the flag. So the next time you want to give thanks... give it to the men and women who give the ultimate sacrafice for their country and the ones who are still over there fighting for you!