Post by KG on Apr 23, 2011 11:44:10 GMT
THE FINAL INSPECTION
MN Version
The sailor stood and faced his God,
he would not be the last,
He hoped his ship mates were still living,
his death may be the last..
'Step forward now, you sailor,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The sailor squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who sail the sea,,
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 sailor waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, you mariner,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
K.
An earlier nautical version at this link:
www.hmcshuronassociation.com/stories/story10.htm