A Soldier's 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,
And on the wall pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sobering thought came into my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and so dreary
I had found the home of a solder, I could see all so clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent and alone,
Curled up on the floor of his one bedroom home.
His face was so gentle, his room in 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 on 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 will all enjoy freedom each month of the year
because of the soldiers like the one lying here.
I couldn't help but 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 is my life, my choice.
I fight for freedom. I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."
With that he rolled over, drifted off into 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 evening'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,
Whispered, "Carry on, Santa. It's Christmas Day, and all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas, my friend. May God bless you this night."
(To my brother Don, Daddy, Doug 'Duke' Durant and so many others...
Merry Christmas, Semper Fi and God bless.)
