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 chimmeny,
with presents to give,
and to see 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 the 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 thriugh my mind.

For this house was different,
it was dark and dreary,
I found the house of a soldier,
once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,
silent and alone,
curled 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 just read,
curled up in a poncjo,
the floor for a bed.

I realized the families,
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 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 started to weep.

I kept watch for hours,
so silent and still,
and we both shivered,
from the cold nights chill.

I didn't want to leave,
on that cold, dark night.
This Guardian of Honor,
So willing to fight.

The soldier rolled over,
with a voice soft and pure,
"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.

*Author Unknown*