The Final Inspection
By Sara Arell
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I've done this poem before here but I wanted to do it again today as a tribute to, of course, my very own police officer, who is standing in tribute today in honor of a fallen firefighter, and for all of those brave men who serve as firefighters and police officers......they lay their lives on the line every single day for our safety and I just feel so blessed today that my Rich is here alive and well today. My heart goes out to the wife of Captain Jeff Bowen who is not there with her today because of his bravery and his dedication. I can't tell you how much a death like this affects each and every spouse of these individuals who thank God today that this was not their husband. Many tears are shed today - in sadness for Captain Bowen's wife and in happiness and joy for our own.
I used Brandy's Black Checkered Paper as my background and the photos are of Rich's Honor Guard Boots and his badge with the black band worn today in respect for our fallen firefighter. I took these this morning as he left to stand guard over Captain Bowen's casket at his final goodbye.
In case the poem isn't large enough to read I am adding it here as well.
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 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 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 judgment 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 ***.”
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