• The Solider stood and faced God
    Which must always come to pass
    He hoped his shoes were shining
    Just as bright as his brass
    "Step forward now, you Solider
    How shall I deal with you?
    Have you always turned the other cheek?
    To my Church have you been true?"
    The Solider 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 Solider waited quietly
    For the Judgment of his God,
    "Step forward now, you Solider,
    You've Bourne your burdens well
    Walk peacefully on Heavens streets
    You've done your time in Hell."