Remembering those who are away from loved ones, protecting our freedom. Thank you!
Soldier’s
Christmas Eve
T'was 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
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 this one
bedroom home
The face was so
gentle
The room in such
disorder
Not how I
pictured
A 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
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."
- Grant Hays