A Soldier's Christmas
A Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas,
he lived all alone.
In a no bedroom house made of plaster
and stone.
I had come down the chimney with
presents to give,
And to see just who, in this small
house did live.
I looked all about, a sad sight
did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even
a tree.
By the mantle, no stockings; by
the door, boots on sand.
On the wall hung some pictures
of a far distant land.
Seeing medals and badges, awards
of all kind,
No thoughts of Christmas would
stay in my mind.
For this house was different, it
was dark; it was dreary,
I'd found the house of a soldier,
this I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent,
alone,
Curled up on the floor in this
no bedroom home.
The face was gentle, the room in
disorder;
Not how I'd pictured a United States
soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I had
read?
Curled up on a poncho, just the
floor for his bed?
I knew most the families I'd see
on this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers,
who were willing to fight.
Soon, round the world, the children
would play,
And grownups enjoy a bright Christmas
day.
They all had their freedom each
month of the year,
Because of brave soldiers, like
the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many
lay alone,
On this cold Christmas Eve, in
a land far from home.
The thought of their service brought
a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knee and I started
to cry.
The soldier awakened, and I heard
a rough voice:
"Santa, don't cry, this life is
my choice;
I fight for our freedom, I don't
ask for more,
My life is my God, my country,
my Corps."
The soldier rolled over and drifted
to sleep.
I couldn't control it, I started
to weep.
I kept watch for hours, silent
and still
And both of us shivered from the
cold night's chill.
I hated to leave him, on that long,
dark night,
This Guardian of Peace, with his
Honor so bright.
Then the soldier rolled over, his
voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "Carry on, Santa, all
is secure."
I looked at that soldier, on that
cold Christmas night.
I thought of his comrades, and
knew he was right.
This great world is freer, for
they're willing to fight
For Freedom and Christmas, and
all that is right.
So to all you, my friends,
U.S. soldiers/sailors in all lands,
Know that you are remembered, by
family and friends.
For this one special night, may
you rest without fight,
With a Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a Good Night!
***
Author Unknown