ES - Poem

[Roger Hooten]

Semper Fi.


>From: draeco <draeco at swbell.net>
>Reply-To: elfsea at Ansteorra.ORG
>To: elfsea at Ansteorra.ORG
>Subject: ES - Poem
>Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 12:56:17 -0600
>
>TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
>
>
>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 Mantle,
>
>Just Boots filled with sand,
>
>On the wall hung pictures
>
>of Far Distant Lands.
>
>
>With Medals and Badges,
>
>Awards of all kinds,
>
>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
>
>In 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 Grownups 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 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 and still,
>
>and we both shivered
>
>from the cold night's 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."
>
>
>One look at my watch,
>
>and I knew he was right.
>
>"Merry Christmas my Friend
>
>And to all a good night."
>
>
>
>
>This one is more touching for veterans and their families.
>
>This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan. The following 
>is his request. I think it is reasonable.
>
>"Please. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people 
>as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our 
>U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these 
>festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. 
>Make people stop and think of our hero's, living and dead, who sacrificed 
>themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed."
>
>
>

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