This poem is for everyone, those who are currently serving, those that have, those who support a serving family member, and those who just do not understand.
I did not write this, it was given to me by an old WW II Veteran. I give framed copies each year to different Soldiers who have become friends.
A Soldier's Christmas
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 who
In this house did live
I looked all around
And a strangge 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
I paused as sober
Thoughts ran through my mind
For this house was different
It was dark and dreary
I found the house of a Soldier
Once I could see clearly
The Soldier lay sleeping
Silent and alone
Curled up on the floor
Of that one bedroom home
His face was so gentle
The room in such disorder
Not how I pictured
a United States Soldier
Was this the Soldier
Of whom I'd just read
Curled up in 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
Children would play
And grownups would celebrate
A bright Christmas day
They all enjoyed freedom
Each month of the year
Because of 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't 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 night's 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
Wispered "Carry on Santa
It's 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"
Like I said, I did not write this, I received it as a gift. Merry Christmas everyone and have a successful year!
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