Thoughtful.

[fbg40]

A family member just posted this on Facebook, thought you might like to see it.
FBG40

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 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 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 often trod.
As the Policeman waited quietly for the 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."

RIP PC David Rathband

[marval]

Thank you, that is lovely. I hope that can happen to him.

[China Doll]

Sentimental clap trap to my mind but then I'm not religious. Adding RIP to that police officer is in poor taste as well to my mind.

[woofgang]

I am religious and I still think its sentimental bobbins but if it helps some people...

[jackthehat]

It's usually about a Marine.

I find it a bit toe-curling, to be honest, but I suppose it was meant with the best of intentions.

[NoMercy]

I think it's nice tribute. It's nice to know that many folk still respect the police and the work they do.

I'm not religious but can understand the "moral of the story"

[micmak]

The last time i read this it was about a soldier.

[fbg40]

China doll - why ???????????????????

[China Doll]

It's using someones death to highlight a pretty bad poem, what's good or respectful about that? Like I said, it's just not for me.

[fbg40]

I was really wondering why you think it's in poor taste with the RIP ?

[NoMercy]

Maybe it was the sad death of a brave officer they were paying tribute to and not the actual poem. Some people are not as adept at word-finding as others.

[NOX]

Not to my personal taste at all I'm afraid but I don't find it offensive, and I'm sure it was meant well:)

[fbg40]

Thanks Nox, you said it all most succinctly.
FBG40

[chaptazbru]

I liked it and it made me cry. RIP David Rathband.