Totally off-topic: A Salute to Our Soldiers

[Anonymous]

Thanks for sharing, Z


mike

[espeefoamer]

A very excellent poem.Our troops are constantly putting themselves in harm's way. We must give them our full support.

[cherokee woman]

I say a prayer for all the troops every night before I go to sleep, asking for their
safe keeping, and that they'll soon be home. (And I also include the non-
military people who are over there, like our fellow forum member, Mark.

[edblysard]

To all who wear the colors, and stand a watch so me and mine can enjoy living in the greatest nation on the planet, my most heartfelt gratitude, thanks, and support.

Ed, Aimee, and twerps...

[Modelcar]

.......My support to all of them where ever they are...Defending freedom is a most honorable job....!

[Anonymous]

Touching story.

Thank you for sharing

The armed forces are in my prayers...

[Anonymous]

Nice story,.. improbable scenario.

[SSW9389]

Essayons!

[Anonymous]

I'll second that! Well done to our men and women in uniform wherever your orders take you.

[zardoz]

THE FINAL INSPECTION


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,

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 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."