A Soldier's Christmas

[BruteForce]

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 just who
In this home did live.

I looked all about,
A strange sight did I 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 the 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 such 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 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 all enjoyed freedom,
Each month of the year,
Because of the 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,
Whispered, "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."

[TCBO1]

:cry::grouphug:

[Bluerauder]

A Soldier's Christmas
That has been circulating for the past 21 years and is attributed to poem "Merry Christmas, My Friend" by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt, USMC, 1986. The giveaway is the reference to "my Corps" ...

Here is the poem (and others) with comments and Silent Night playing in the background. >>>>> http://mrmom.amaonline.com/asoldierschristmas.htm

As a retired soldier, reality says that there would be 6-8 soldiers or marines packed into that one bedroom. Despite the conditions, there would also be a tree of sorts in the corner and decorated with expended cartridges, leftover MRE items, and anything else that "looked" like an appropriate ornament. That is why the American Soldier/Fighting Man is so GREAT. He is resilient. He is resourceful. And, he will find means of comfort in even the most austere and difficult conditions. :flag:

So, to all soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines on duty during the Christmas Holidays ....... SALUTE !!! You are among the best. :toast:

[airborne_mp84]

Army Strong Hooah!!:d

[ImpalaSlayer]

great poem

thanks to all that serve

[rayjay]

I've heard this narrated to music on the radio. Brings a tear to my every time I hear it.