Which must always come to pass,

he hoped his shoes were shing,

Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you Marine,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true ?"

The Marine 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 hills just got to 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 silence all around the Throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Marine waited Quietly,

For the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, you Marine,

You've borne your burdens well,

Walk peacefully on Heaven's Streets,

You've done your time in Hell."

Author Unknown

Sent by: Dan Davis USMC VietNam, 1/5 81mm.,Mortres/ 1969-1970