Poem (absolutely beautiful!!!)
This poem was written by a U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE 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 just who
In this home did live.
I looked all about;
A strange sight I did see:
No tinsel, No presents,
Not even a tree.
No stocking by mantle,
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 a 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,
The room in disorder;
Not how I pictured
A United States solider.
Was this the hero
Of who 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 this soldier
Who was willing to fight.
Soon 'round the world
The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate
A bright Christmas day.
They all enjoy freedom
Each month of the year
Because of the soliders
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, dont' 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 countinued 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
And with a voice, soft and pure,
Whispered, 'Carry on, Santa.
It's Christmas Day, All's secure.'
One look at my watch
And I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas, my friend,
And to all, a good night."
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE 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 just who
In this home did live.
I looked all about;
A strange sight I did see:
No tinsel, No presents,
Not even a tree.
No stocking by mantle,
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 a 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,
The room in disorder;
Not how I pictured
A United States solider.
Was this the hero
Of who 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 this soldier
Who was willing to fight.
Soon 'round the world
The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate
A bright Christmas day.
They all enjoy freedom
Each month of the year
Because of the soliders
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, dont' 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 countinued 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
And with a voice, soft and pure,
Whispered, 'Carry on, Santa.
It's Christmas Day, All's secure.'
One look at my watch
And I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas, my friend,
And to all, a good night."