A Soldiers 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 stockings 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 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 the 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 nights 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.........


Anonymous Author

If there isn't a tear in your eye after reading this I kindly suggest you find somewhere else to live.  Thank you to everyone standing post, wherever you are.  Happy Holidays!

sorry i didnt see your post but i felt like posting it like i do every year.
besides this poem deserves its own post.
tattoo
[usa]

Mr.Hun very well said.

also I would like to say thank you to my brothers and sisters from all wars and in every peace time, with out them we would not be able to enjoy our freedom.

remember freedom is not free

tattoo

As a vet who had missed many a Christmas and holidays due to work (no combat duty) it really hits home.

racer934
i as a non-combat vet would like to thank you for giving up x-mas for all of us even if it was not for combat duty you still gave it up for evey onetha was at home.

thanks
tattoo