The policeman 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, policeman.

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,

"No lord, I guess I ain't,

Because those of us who carry badges

can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,

and at times my talk was rough,

and sometimes I've been violent,

Because the streets are awfully tough.

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 fear.

If you've got 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 silence all around the throne

Where the saints had often trod.

As the policeman waited quietly,

For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,

You've born your burdens well.

Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell."

-Author Unknown

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