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Need I say more?
d.




The Marine 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, oh, Devil-Dog,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Jarhead squared his shoulders... said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
'cause 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,
'cause 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 just 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,
So if you don't, I'll understand."
A silence fell all 'round the throne
Where Saints had often trod,
As the Marine awaited quietly,
The judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, My Fine Marine,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk your post on Heaven's streets,
You've served your time in Hell."
Saepius Exertas, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas
Sleep in Peace, Brother.