The soldier stood and faced God,
"Step forward now, you soldier,
The soldier squared his shoulders and
I've had to work most Sundays,
But I never took a penny
And I never passed a cry for help,
I know I don't deserve a place
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
There was a silence all around the throne,
"Step forward now, you soldier,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"
said, "No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint."
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully tough.
That wasn't mine to keep ...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
Though at time I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
Where the saints had often trod,
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.
You've born your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell
Sgt Joshua Helterbran, AUS
veteran of the Iraq War,
formerly of with HHC 224th Engineering Battalion,
Fort Sill, Oklahoma
and now of Birmingham, Iowa.
Submitted by Dennis Burk, D/2/7 Korea, 5/51 - 9/51