Police Officer Arnulfo Crispin

The Final Inspection

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’ve 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 hell.”

Rest Easy Crispin, you were a great young man and not forgotten

Katrina Pruitt
Deputy's wife

Katrina Pruitt

September 10, 2019