ANST - A soldier's Night Before X-mas

[smithson]

	First of all I would like to thank you for this poem.  I was a soldier
away from my family many times.  I could not read the poem in one sitting
it struck my heart.  
	Now for the nitty-gritty.  May I please copy this and send a copy of this
to the V.A. news letter.  I would also like to send a copy of this to the
president.
	Thankyou 
		Jim C. Kotsonis
		A soldier

----------
> From: Chris Harper <bice at flash.net>
> To: Ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
> Subject: ANST - A soldier's Night Before X-mas
> Date: Friday, December 18, 1998 2:46 PM
> 
> 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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