Dennis William Zilinski II

West Point, 2004

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by A Friend on November 11, 2007:

The Final Inspection The soldier stood and faced his God, As must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining 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 law have you been true?” The soldier squared his shoulders, said, “No sir, I guess I ain’t. 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. The world is awfully rough. “But I never passed a cry for help, Though I sometimes shook with fear, And sometimes, God, forgive me but I’ve wept unmanly tears. “I know I don’t deserve a place Among the people here, That never wanted me around Except to calm their fear. “If you’ve a place for me, O Lord, It needn’t be so grand. I never have expected much— If you don’t, I’ll understand.” There was silence all around the throne Where 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.” --Author Unknown

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