The Night Before Christmas
Author: Anonymous
[And edited by me]
T'was the night before
Christmas, and he slept on the ground,
In a simply made shelter of canvas all round.
I came through the tent flap, with presents to give,
And to see just who in
this shelter did live.
As I looked all about, a
strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not
even a tree.
No stocking was hung,
just boots filled with sand,
And pins held up photos of far distant lands.
A small box held medals and awards of all kinds,
A sobering thought then entered my mind.
This place was
different, it was dark and dreary,
I'd found the tent of a
soldier, once I could see clearly.
The young man lay sleeping, his weapon nearby,
Ready to fight, and even to die.
His face was so gentle, his 'home' all in order,
I stood and just looked at this American 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 our 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 laying here.
I couldn't help wonder, how
many were 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
fell back asleep,
I couldn't control it,
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
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.'
