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.

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 distand 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 and 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 soldier
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 solder 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 the 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
All is secure."

One look at my watch
And I knew he was right
"Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!"

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