ANST - A soldier's Night Before X-mas

[Chris Harper]

This does not deal with the middle ages but I feel it has a connection with
this years holiday. No humor content but really worth a read.
>
>
>
>The Night Before Christmas a soldiers story
>
>Twas 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 mantel, just boots filled with sand,
>on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
>
>He had medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
>and 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 of this one bedroom home.
>
>The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
>Not how I pictured a United States 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 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 but wonder how many lay alone,
>on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.
>
>The very though brought a tear to my eye,
>I dropped to my knees as I 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 so still,
>and we both shivered from the night's cold 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."


	Chris Harper
      -bice at flash.net-

      Go ahead and be naughty.  Save Santa the trip!

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