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.
Cause 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 was rough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awful tough.


But I never took a penny
that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I've 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 silence all around the Throne,
where the Saints had often trod,
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."