(no subject)
Soldier's Silent Night
'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 dwelling did live.
I looked all around, a strange sight to see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings on the mantel, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
Medals and badges, awards of every kind,
a sobering thought came alive in my mind.
This house was different; it was dark, it was dreary.
I had found the home of a soldier, I could see that most clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one-bedroom home.
His face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not at all how I pictured the United States soldier.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in a poncho, a floor for a bed?
Then I realized the other families that I saw this night
Owed their lives to soldiers who are willing to fight.
In the morning round the world children would play,
Grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoy freedom each month of the year
Because of soldiers like the one lying here.
I couldn't help but wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve, in a lands far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
The soldier awakened, I heard his 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,
But I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still.
As both of us shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave him on that cold, dark night
This Gaurdian of Honor, so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, in a voice soft and pure
He 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, may God bless you this night.