A Soldier's Christmas

                         

                   A Soldier's Christmas
             by LCpl James M Schmidt, USMC, 1986
             as posted at this site: A SOLDIERS CHRISTMAS


Twas the night before Christmas,
he lived all alone
In a one bedroomm 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 light I did see
No tinsel, no presents,
not even a tree, No stocking
by mantle, just boots filled with sand
On the wall hung a picture
of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,
awards of all kinds
A sober thought came
through my mind.
For this house was differant,
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 the room in such disorder
Not how I pictured a
gallant 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 saw this night
Owed their lives to these
soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,
the children would play
And grownup 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 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 started 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 gaurdian of honour
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."