A Soldiers Poem

[Johnny-D]

I've just been sent an email with the following poem attached. I think you'll agree, it's beautiful!




THE FINAL INSPECTION

The army soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier 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 Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

[jimpy]

Nice one Johnny

I had seen/read it before, but that doesnt make the impact, (no pun intended), any less.

Thanks for posting it mate.

Regards etc

Ian D

AKA: Jimpy

[Walkwolf]

Great poem.

Any known author ?

[Woolgar]

Very poignant !

I shall always remember that poem

Nick

[jws54]

I got sumptin in muh eye

[381st digger]

Very good!!

[381st digger]

I hope you dont mind me useing your thread but iv got a poim i would like you all to think of when you are on a old air field.
I cant remember where i got it from. Hope you all like it

A DESERTED AIRFIELD.

In the mists of time i lie hear still
Abandoned long to natures will.
My buildings bare, my people gone,
The only sound the wild bird song.

My mighty birds will rise no more,
No more i hear their engines roar
and nevermore my bosum feels
the pounding of there giant wheels.

The ageless hills from echoes cast
of armades from the past.
Now stilled in lonely revere
there great dark wings sweep silently.

Laughter, sorrow, fear and pain
no more to know these things again.
Emotions that i came too know,
Of those young men so long ago.

Who knows when evening shadows meet,
Are they still here, the phantom fleet?
Do ghostly crews still rise and roam
Above my face that was their home?

Now weeds grow high, obscure the sky
Remember them as you pass by.
My gratitude with you abide,
For what you have......... is why they died!!!

I hope you all like it and think of it next time you are on a deserted airfield.
Andy.

[tampalam]

Both touching and beautiful poems. Thank you guys for posting them. Those of us former military types can relate to the sentiments expressed herein.

[blackheart0866]

Makes me think of this patch that was given to myself, and my team , when i was in Iraq on my 3rd tour.

Brian

[381st digger]

Someone just gave me this. Enjoy.

The Old Airfield


Strolling through these fields so green
Where once a throng of life has been
A feeling so evoked in me
Of sadness amidst tranquillity

For beneath where now grows golden corn
Bonds as strong as steel were born
Laughter, tears and stories shared
Amongst the comrades of the air

And as on concrete strips I tread
The backbone from whence missions led
I can almost hear the roar
As engines to the heavens soar

“We count them out, we count them in”
Through the ever ascending din
This, by those who watched and cared
For men whose lives might not be spared

Day after day, night after night
Into another enduring flight
The hardcore now so cracked and worn
Each tell a story for those who mourn

Yet now looking up to the clear night sky
Over the airfield to stars on high
I feel sure that in this patchwork of land
Our faithful friends stretch out their hands

This land which now yields sheaves of gold
Will forever breathe a life of old
Never forget – they came, they went
And for you and me their lives were spent.


All the best Andy