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lakers
10-01-02, 12:02 AM
(R.A. Paradine Jr. USMC)

A dead Marine was facing God, for lives will always pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you Devil-Dog. How shall I deal with you,
Have you always turned the other cheek, to my Bible, always true?"

The Marine snapped to attention. "No Lord, I guess I ain't,
It seems that we who carry guns can't always be a saint."

"I've had to work most Sundays. My work was always rough,
At times I have been violent, because the job was tough."

"But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep,
Though I've worked a lot of overtime when bills became too steep."

"I never passed a cry for help, but often shook with fears,
And sometimes, God, forgive me, I have wept unmanly tears."

"I know I don't deserve a place among these good folks here,
They never wanted me around unless a war was near."

"But if you have a room for me, it need not be too grand,
I never had, or needed much. I know you'll understand."

A silence fell around the throne, where saints had often trod,
The dead Marine, with baited breath, feared judgment from his God.

"Step forward now, U.S. Marine. You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets. You've done your time in hell."