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 on his
uniform. "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, I guess I ain't, because those of us who
carry a badge can't always be a Saint. I've had to work most Sundays and at
times my talk is 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 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 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 a silence all around the throne where the
Saints had often tread, as the policeman waited quietly for the judgement 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)
