Tuesday 11 November 2008

11/11/2008


Let the children of today not be allowed to forget the sacrifices made by men and women in all wars..this is a poem previously posted on Anzac Day and I would like to share it again for this 90th anniversary of the end of World War 1...the signing of the Armistice.


The Soldier 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, you 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, my Lord, 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 dollar,

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."

~Author Unknown~


8 comments:

Ginro said...

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.


Very true, and a lovely poem.

Anndi said...

Beautiful!

Thank you for sharing those lovely words.

Lest we forget.

Anonymous said...

A wonderful poem.

Thanks for posting it today.
Pam

CherryPie said...

Thank You for posting that beautiful poem again.

James Higham said...

Great stuff, Nunyaa.

Crushed said...

You've done your time in Helll....

Good sentiments.

Makes one feel hope.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the poem and let me reassure you, our students at school yesterday had a very moving service. It always amazes me that at this time of the year when they are so restless, that they are so still, silent and reverent for our Rememberance Day service. It also pleases me.

Ms Smack said...

Amen to that.

I'm proud to be living in this country.