FINAL CALL

   The sailor 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, you sailor

   How shall I deal with you?

   Have you always turned the other cheek?

   To My Church have you been true?"

   

   The sailor 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 sailor waited quietly,

   For the judgment of his God,

   
   "Step forward now, you sailor,

   You've borne your burdens well,

   Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

   You've done your time in Hell."

   

   To all who serve...

Kindly submitted by Jerry