The night before Christmas (army style).

Disclaimer:  This poem has been around the net for some time. I decided to post it in hopes of preserving it. It was claimed to have been written by a soldier stationed over seas, for all the soldiers and their families enduring the silent holidays.

The night before Christmas (army style).

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 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 sobering thought came to my mind.

For this house was different, it was all 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 the home of a soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?  Curled up on a poncho, the floor for his bed.

I realized the families that I saw that night. Owed their lives to these soldiers, willing to fight.

Soon around the world Children would play. Grown-ups 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 his voice “Santa, don’t cry.  It was my choice.”

I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.  My life given to God, my country and my corps.

The Soldier rolled over and drifted off to sleep.  I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I keep watch for hours, both silent and still.  We both shivered from the nights cold chill.

I didn’t want to leave on that cold dark night.  This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

The soldier rolled over with a voice soft and pure.  He whispered “ Carry on Santa, Christmas is all secure.”

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