Ode To A Cop

The policeman 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, policeman, how shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To your God, have you been true?"

The policeman, squared his shoulders and said "No sir, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry a badge 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 just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help though at times I shook with fear,
and sometimes, please 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.

But if you have a place for me here, well... it need not be too grand.
I never expected or had too much so if You don't... I'll understand.

There was silence all around the room where the saint's respectfully stood.
As the policeman waited quietly, for the judgment... bad or good.

"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."