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THE
FINAL INSPECTION |
The
policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass.
He
hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step
forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have
you always turned the other cheek?
To
my church have you been true?
The
policeman squared his shoulders and said.
"No,
I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge
can't
always be a Saint."
I've
had to work most Sundays
and
at times my talk is rough
and
sometimes I've been violent,
because
the street are awfully tough.
But
I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
though
I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got to 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 fear.
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 policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step
forward now , policeman.
You've
borne your burdens well.
Come
walk a beat on Heaven's streets.
You've
done your time in Hell.
(Author
Unknown)
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