The night before Christmas (a soldiers version)

The night before Christmas (a soldiers version)

By James S.

Twas the night before Christmas,

He lived all alone,

In a one bedroom house made of

Plaster and stone

I came 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

On the wall hung pictures

Of far distant land

With medals and badges

Awards of all kind

A sober thought

Came through my mind

For the 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 Untied States soldier

Was this the hero

Who I just read?

Curled up 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 around 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 laying 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 life is my choice;

I fight for freedom

I don't ask for more

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 this 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

Its Christmas day, all is secure"

One look at my watch

And I knew he was right

"Marry Christmas my friend

And to all a good night"