'Twas 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 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 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 and ran 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, this room in 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 I saw on this night Wed 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, Becasue of the soldiers, like the one laying 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 contiuned 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 honoir, so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, Whispered, "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas, all is secure".

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

(Ed. note- I found the following attached to one versioon of this... This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable..... PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able To celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.) FOR OTHER VERSIONS CLICK HERE