The Final Flight

The Airman 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, you Airman,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?"


The Airman 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 Airman waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you Airman,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell."

Always REMEMBER...

It's the Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press.

It's the Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.

It's the Airman, Soldier and Marine, not the politicians that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

It's the Airman, Soldier, Sailor and Marine, who salutes the flag,  who serve beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

NAME                                 Death - Particulars