My Very Own Marine by Linda Burns
Christmas came and Christmas went.
Where, dear, was your Christmas spent?
Oh, I know you're in Kuwait
with the enemy quite irate.
I also know that you'd be here
had you chosen a path less severe.
Santa came as he always does.
What a merry elf he was.
Still and all, without you here
Christmas seemed austere and drear.
Did Santa include you in his routine,
my very own Marine?
My other grandsons gathered with us.
Everyone made the usual fuss.
Sisters, brothers, Moms and Dads;
an almost merry time was had.
But something was missing; it was you.
You complete our family crew.
I can't allow myself to think
of things that put you on the brink
of never coming home at all.
Over our lives, this casts a pall.
God forbid your blood seep into their sand
as for their freedom you take a stand.
I dread any knock upon my door.
I'm more hesitant to answer than before.
Is it your C.O. with hat in hand
telling me you obeyed your last command?
I play that scene on my mind’s screen,
my very own Marine.
Then it comes; that inevitable rap.
My heart is caught in loves sweet trap.
I cannot move, I have no choice.
Then come to me a familiar voice;
“Come on, Gran'ma, let me in.”
Standing there with the biggest grin I've ever seen
is my very own Marine.
***********************************
My mom wrote that. My nepphew joined the marines this fall. He came back from basic training, went for other training, came back for Turkey Day and was able to stay until Christmas. I'm not sure if he's gone for more training or still at my aunt's. I *do* know that he's just gotten engaged to his girlfriend. We're all very happy for them. Last I heard, they had yet to set a date - so I guess they're engaged to be engaged. :D
Blessed be,
Mavis
Where, dear, was your Christmas spent?
Oh, I know you're in Kuwait
with the enemy quite irate.
I also know that you'd be here
had you chosen a path less severe.
Santa came as he always does.
What a merry elf he was.
Still and all, without you here
Christmas seemed austere and drear.
Did Santa include you in his routine,
my very own Marine?
My other grandsons gathered with us.
Everyone made the usual fuss.
Sisters, brothers, Moms and Dads;
an almost merry time was had.
But something was missing; it was you.
You complete our family crew.
I can't allow myself to think
of things that put you on the brink
of never coming home at all.
Over our lives, this casts a pall.
God forbid your blood seep into their sand
as for their freedom you take a stand.
I dread any knock upon my door.
I'm more hesitant to answer than before.
Is it your C.O. with hat in hand
telling me you obeyed your last command?
I play that scene on my mind’s screen,
my very own Marine.
Then it comes; that inevitable rap.
My heart is caught in loves sweet trap.
I cannot move, I have no choice.
Then come to me a familiar voice;
“Come on, Gran'ma, let me in.”
Standing there with the biggest grin I've ever seen
is my very own Marine.
***********************************
My mom wrote that. My nepphew joined the marines this fall. He came back from basic training, went for other training, came back for Turkey Day and was able to stay until Christmas. I'm not sure if he's gone for more training or still at my aunt's. I *do* know that he's just gotten engaged to his girlfriend. We're all very happy for them. Last I heard, they had yet to set a date - so I guess they're engaged to be engaged. :D
Blessed be,
Mavis