‘Twas the night before Christmas
he lived all alone
in a one bedroom house made of
plaster and stone
I had come down the chimney
with presents to give
and to see just who
in this house did live.
I looked all about
a strange sight i did see
no tinsel, no presents,
not even a tree
no stocking by mantel
just boots filled with sand
on the wall hung pictures
of far distant lands.
With medals and badges,
awards of all kinds,
a sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different,
it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,
once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping,
silent, alone
curled up on the floor
in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle,
t6he room such disorder,
not how I pictured
a united states soldier.
Was this the hero
of whom i’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho
the floor for a bed
I realized the families
that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers
who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world,
the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate
a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom
each month of the year
because of the soldiers
like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder
how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas eve
in a land far from home.
The very thought
brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees
and started to cry.
The soldier awakened
and I heard a rough voice.
Santa don’ cry
this life is my choice.
I fight for 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 continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours,
so silent and still
and we both shivered
from the cold nights chill
I didn’t want to leave
on that cold, dark, night
this guardian of honor
so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over,
with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, “carry on Santa
Its Christmas day. ALL IS SECURE
one look at my watch,
and I knew he was right
merry Christmas my friend
and to all a good night.,
A slight departure from our normal format. Have a Happy Holiday Season.