He hopes 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 who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had towork most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough...
And sometimes I've been violent because the streets are awful tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked alot 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 forgiveme, 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, but if you don't...I understand."
There was a silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod,
As the policeman waited quietly for his judgement of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets. You've done your time in hell."
Deputy Jeremy C Anderson
12/28/74 - 11/11/08
Father, Brother, Cop and Friend
