Discussion:
[XxxxXxxxxxxxx] A Marine Poem - The final Inspection
(too old to reply)
s***@bellsouth.net
2006-06-11 14:39:09 UTC
Permalink
The first portion between the lines of asterisks (*************) is the way
I received this, it is good and has been around a long time.

Normally I am reluctant to change any thing of religious nature as most
'Native American Prayers' that we find on the net come across as Christian
Sunday School dressed up with feathers and beads trying to push a foreign
morality onto our people.

After the original I have posted a revised version that seems to fit more
the way this old VietNam Vet sees things coming about. It is obvious that I
am not a poet but it was the Lifeway that I was working for, not an English
grade.

At least at this Final Honoring Dance it will be the first time I will fit
into my Dress Blue Uniform since about 1985!!

Shunkmanitu EWC, USN (ret) 100% Combat Disabled VietNam Vet.


******************************************
I have read this many times - it always chokes me up. It is a true picture.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Marine 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, Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The Marine squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

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 fears.

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 a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~

********************************************

THE FINAL HONORING DANCE


The Marine mounted and rode with the ancestors,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his boots were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.

"Ride forward now, Marine,

How shall the Eyapaha speak of you?

Have you always acted with honor for the People?

To your Family have you been true?"

The Marine squared his shoulders and said,

"Yes, Tunkasila this I have done.

But those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be gentle.

For Duty I have missed many Lodges,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the larder became so bare.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, Wakan Tanka hear me,

I've wept many tears.

I know I deserve a place,

Among the Warriors here.

Wasicu never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Tunkasila,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

Only Sacred Ground to walk upon.

There was sound of a Drum at the Circle,

Where Warriors had often trod.

As the Marine waited quietly,

To dance for the People.

"Step forward now, you Marine,

You've borne your burdens well.

Dance well around this Circle,

You've done your time on earth."

~Author Unknown~ revised by Shunkmanitu

The following lines have been repeated many times and will always be true.

It's the Warrior, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the
press.

It's the Warrior, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.

It's the Warrior, not the politicians that ensures our right to Life,
Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

It's the Warrior who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and
whose coffin is draped by the flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for
the Military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have
served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have
given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom
c***@yahoo.com
2006-06-14 07:20:42 UTC
Permalink
Post by s***@bellsouth.net
The first portion between the lines of asterisks (*************) is the way
I received this, it is good and has been around a long time.
Normally I am reluctant to change any thing of religious nature as most
'Native American Prayers' that we find on the net come across as Christian
Sunday School dressed up with feathers and beads trying to push a foreign
morality onto our people.
After the original I have posted a revised version that seems to fit more
the way this old VietNam Vet sees things coming about. It is obvious that I
am not a poet but it was the Lifeway that I was working for, not an English
grade.
At least at this Final Honoring Dance it will be the first time I will fit
into my Dress Blue Uniform since about 1985!!
Shunkmanitu EWC, USN (ret) 100% Combat Disabled VietNam Vet.
******************************************
I have read this many times - it always chokes me up. It is a true picture.
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The Marine 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, Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Marine squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
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 fears.
..............................................
I know I don't deserve a place,
Post by s***@bellsouth.net
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
....................................................

...Most of it a prayer about receiving
a Marine to honour, and pretty good
to read, except the part about how the
Marine says he doesn't deserve a place
among the people here (implies people
of heaven)? b/c all they ever wanted him
around for was to calm their fears?

What a fckin ego this Marine must of had.
Oh Marine all of us here in heaven think
you should govern us with your full and
magnificent power, b/c just look at how you
calm our fears....

...Perhaps I'm just reading this wrong?
Please let me know if this is the case, b/c
for the most part this was a good ---what-
ever it is or whatever it shall be.
.....................................................................
Post by s***@bellsouth.net
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 a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
~Author Unknown~
********************************************
THE FINAL HONORING DANCE
The Marine mounted and rode with the ancestors,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his boots were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Ride forward now, Marine,
How shall the Eyapaha speak of you?
Have you always acted with honor for the People?
To your Family have you been true?"
The Marine squared his shoulders and said,
"Yes, Tunkasila this I have done.
But those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be gentle.
For Duty I have missed many Lodges,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the larder became so bare.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, Wakan Tanka hear me,
I've wept many tears.
I know I deserve a place,
Among the Warriors here.
Wasicu never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Tunkasila,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
Only Sacred Ground to walk upon.
There was sound of a Drum at the Circle,
Where Warriors had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
To dance for the People.
"Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Dance well around this Circle,
You've done your time on earth."
~Author Unknown~ revised by Shunkmanitu
The following lines have been repeated many times and will always be true.
It's the Warrior, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the
press.
It's the Warrior, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It's the Warrior, not the politicians that ensures our right to Life,
Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It's the Warrior who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and
whose coffin is draped by the flag.
If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for
the Military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have
served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have
given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom
s***@bellsouth.net
2006-06-14 12:18:56 UTC
Permalink
I really think it is more about how the christian religion wants their
followers to rate themselves in the eyes of their god. They must claim no
pride for what they have done and present themselves as totally unworthy and
only there at the whim of the god. To this end he presents himself well,
ashamed of his deeds and valor.

That is why I rewrote it the way that I feel and the way that Moma Lena and
the rest of my family have taught me. One should not be boastful of their
deeds but must tell of how things came to pass. It is in this way that the
people are given hope and belief in themselves. A warrior must believe in
himself and that his deeds were given for the people. Only if deeds are
known can feathers be given and names bestowed

The warrior will know that he serves at the judgment of the Naca, only if
the leader feels that his deeds match the words will he be allowed to ride
with the 'war party'. He must be sure of himself, knowing that it is not
weakness to show compassion, but showing strength to act. For only that way
will his Brothers trust in him. To dance in victory for the People is his
greatest honor.

When an Indian joins the occupational government service he does so knowing
that not all the goals he swears to uphold will meet the approval of all his
people. Many will disagree with me but the truth is in this modern world
none of our Nations could stand alone against threats from outside the U. S.
borders. An Indian in the armed forces will often find himself on a fine
line with hard choices to make. To one degree or another this is the same
thin line that most of us walk everyday trying to live in a good way yet
survive and prosper in this modern occupied land. We owe it to ourselves
and our ancestors to do the best we can to insure that the generations that
follow us will thrive.

Shunkmanitu


<***@yahoo.com>
wrote in message
...................................................
...Most of it a prayer about receiving
a Marine to honor, and pretty good
to read, except the part about how the
Marine says he doesn't deserve a place
among the people here (implies people
of heaven)? b/c all they ever wanted him
around for was to calm their fears?

What a fckin ego this Marine must of had.
Oh Marine all of us here in heaven think
you should govern us with your full and
magnificent power, b/c just look at how you
calm our fears....

...Perhaps I'm just reading this wrong?
Please let me know if this is the case, b/c
for the most part this was a good ---what-
ever it is or whatever it shall be.
.....................................................................
c***@yahoo.com
2006-06-14 23:44:19 UTC
Permalink
...Just curious, why all the christian taLK on Native message board?

.............................................................................................................
Post by s***@bellsouth.net
I really think it is more about how the christian religion wants their
followers to rate themselves in the eyes of their god. They must claim no
pride for what they have done and present themselves as totally unworthy and
only there at the whim of the god. To this end he presents himself well,
ashamed of his deeds and valor.
That is why I rewrote it the way that I feel and the way that Moma Lena and
the rest of my family have taught me. One should not be boastful of their
deeds but must tell of how things came to pass. It is in this way that the
people are given hope and belief in themselves. A warrior must believe in
himself and that his deeds were given for the people. Only if deeds are
known can feathers be given and names bestowed
The warrior will know that he serves at the judgment of the Naca, only if
the leader feels that his deeds match the words will he be allowed to ride
with the 'war party'. He must be sure of himself, knowing that it is not
weakness to show compassion, but showing strength to act. For only that way
will his Brothers trust in him. To dance in victory for the People is his
greatest honor.
When an Indian joins the occupational government service he does so knowing
that not all the goals he swears to uphold will meet the approval of all his
people. Many will disagree with me but the truth is in this modern world
none of our Nations could stand alone against threats from outside the U. S.
borders. An Indian in the armed forces will often find himself on a fine
line with hard choices to make. To one degree or another this is the same
thin line that most of us walk everyday trying to live in a good way yet
survive and prosper in this modern occupied land. We owe it to ourselves
and our ancestors to do the best we can to insure that the generations that
follow us will thrive.
Shunkmanitu
wrote in message
...................................................
...Most of it a prayer about receiving
a Marine to honor, and pretty good
to read, except the part about how the
Marine says he doesn't deserve a place
among the people here (implies people
of heaven)? b/c all they ever wanted him
around for was to calm their fears?
What a fckin ego this Marine must of had.
Oh Marine all of us here in heaven think
you should govern us with your full and
magnificent power, b/c just look at how you
calm our fears....
...Perhaps I'm just reading this wrong?
Please let me know if this is the case, b/c
for the most part this was a good ---what-
ever it is or whatever it shall be.
.....................................................................
s***@bellsouth.net
2006-06-15 01:21:28 UTC
Permalink
Post by c***@yahoo.com
...Just curious, why all the christian taLK on Native message board?
Below is the section of the original post explaining the reasoning behind
posting the original "Final Inspection" that is based on the christian view.
My second post was just an answer of my viewpoint in response to your
question. As I stated I revised it because I could not identify with the
original and felt that I might shed a bit of insight on another point of
view.
SS

{{Normally I am reluctant to change any thing of religious nature as most
'Native American Prayers' that we find on the net come across as Christian
Sunday School dressed up with feathers and beads trying to push a foreign
morality onto our people.

After the original I have posted a revised version that seems to fit more
the way this old VietNam Vet sees things coming about. It is obvious that I
am not a poet but it was the Lifeway that I was working for, not an English
grade.}}
Monica
2006-06-16 18:42:45 UTC
Permalink
That was beautiful SS. I didn't get to read it before. My computer is
under attack all the time and I get knocked off the internet before I
get to do everything I want. Thanks for sharing the poems.

Monica
Post by s***@bellsouth.net
Post by c***@yahoo.com
...Just curious, why all the christian taLK on Native message board?
Below is the section of the original post explaining the reasoning behind
posting the original "Final Inspection" that is based on the christian view.
My second post was just an answer of my viewpoint in response to your
question. As I stated I revised it because I could not identify with the
original and felt that I might shed a bit of insight on another point of
view.
SS
{{Normally I am reluctant to change any thing of religious nature as most
'Native American Prayers' that we find on the net come across as Christian
Sunday School dressed up with feathers and beads trying to push a foreign
morality onto our people.
After the original I have posted a revised version that seems to fit more
the way this old VietNam Vet sees things coming about. It is obvious that I
am not a poet but it was the Lifeway that I was working for, not an English
grade.}}
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