tebo53

Christmas will be coming soon and much credit is due to our service men and women (past and present) for our being able to celebrate these festivities.

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 small 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 a far distant land

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds.
A sobering thought soon came into my mind.
For this house was different, it was stark and dreary,
T'was the home of a soldier, that I could see clearly

I'd heard stories about them, so I had to see more.
I walked down the hallway and pushed open the door
The soldier lay sleeping there, silent, alone
Curled up on the floor in his solitary home

The face was so tranquil, the room all in order
Not how I would picture the home of a soldier…
Was this the hero of whom I had read,
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed

His hair was close cropped, his face weathered tan.
I soon understood this was no ordinary a man.
And I realized the families that I saw this night,
Owe their lives to these men who are willing to fight.

And soon round the world the children would play
And grownups would celebrate a new Christmas day
They all enjoy freedom each day of the year
Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many more lay alone
On a dark Christmas eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

The soldier awakened, I heard a calm voice
"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice.
I fight for freedom, I don't ask any more
My life is my God, my country, my corps"

With that he rolled over, drifted back into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
To cover this soldier from his toes to his head.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
Both of us shivering from that nights chill.
I didn't want to leave him, on a cold dark night,
This guardian of honour so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rewoke and in a voice soft and pure
Whispered "carry on Santa, Christmas day is secure"
One look at my watch and I knew he was right
"Merry Christmas my friend - and to all a good night!"

Retired in Euskadi

Agreed. Good one.