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To: Jim Robinson

I think maybe Gonzo would like this poem, written by Sgt. Joshua Helterbran.

Rest in God’s arms, Barry “Gonzo” Lee. By all accounts, a life well done.

The Final Inspection
http://vetstribute.com/inGODwetrust/final_inspection.htm

The soldier 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, you soldier,
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 soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment 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.”

To all that serve.


109 posted on 05/06/2014 10:13:06 PM PDT by blueplum
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To: blueplum

That poem helps many.

Thanks


110 posted on 05/06/2014 10:17:56 PM PDT by eyedigress ((zOld storm chaser from the west)/ ?s)
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