As the fallen officer stood in silence,
to learn his fate from god
he was asked to explain his sins
and if he had anything more to add
As the man reflected on his past
and what he was to tell
he thought for sure, that he would burn
eternally in hell
He swallowed the lump in his throat,
and wiped the sweat from his brow
and began to confess his sins
and tell all there was to tell
He started with tales of anger
how many times he swore
how one night, he hit a man...
half out of spite, half out of fear
He spoke of tears of anguish
when he saw a young C/O die
and how pure hatred ran through his veins
toward the convict that took his life
He said I know I often missed church
and i know that this is bad
but many Sundays I had to work
and also missed being a dad
Several times I returned home
troubled by the day
many times lost in thought
I forgot to pray
When the man was finished
his heart filled with deep regret
there were many things unfinished
so many things left unsaid
He thought of how his life
has gone by, oh so fast
now it was his turn
to be a prisoner of his past
When the lord spoke,
the man was caught by surprise
he felt tears streak down his face
coming from both eyes
You served me well said the lord
you paid an awe full price
very few could have handled
the obstacles I put in your life
At times you strayed from my path
but this is understood
I never expected perfection
I never wanted priesthood
I placed you in the depth of darkness
and you survived to tell...
Go pound the golden rock of heaven...
You've served your time in hell
By S. Robinson
Michigan Dept. of Corrections
