An Awesome Poem

**deputysykes** · 08-25-07, 02:14 PM

Last week I went to a former Police Chief's funeral, which was horrible and amazing to see at the same time. During the service the current Police Chief read a poem honoring his former boss. I had never heard it before and thought it was good. I found it on the net and wanted to share it. I don't know if its been posted before:

"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, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets 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 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 placeAmong 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 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