In a land so far from home
A lonely soldier kneels to pray
I stand and watch with tear filled eyes
To his words that flow today
"Dear God I know you are listening
These thoughts I now send to you
I have always carried you in my heart
Hard times you have always led me through
I know that I am one of many
That of your precious time do ask
So I will make this short and sweet
So you can go on about your task
In this land so far from home
My country's honor I proudly protect
Each day I do all I am tasked
My duties none do I ever neglect
I think of my family way back home
My wife and children so dear
Wishing them the happiness Christmas brings
A holiday filled with good will and cheer
In my memories I see their precious smiles
Time with them I will be able to spend this way
Let them know I love them all so much
And for their protection I do now pray
For my fellow soldiers I ask of you
To keep them safe from any and all harm
Let them lay their heads down to sleep
In a world filled with peace and calm
No wars do we want to fight you know
We want to live in a world of true peace
But when others lives are truly threatened
Their suffering we will proudly release
I know many bullets will be fired in anger
Many lives will surely be needlessly lost
The pain and suffering brought on by war
Many innocent people will pay a high cost
To my parents that raised me with love
And taught me to stand proud and strong
Bring them comfort in their thoughts
Tell them we will be together before long
Now I close this special Christmas prayer
This one I send to you this very night
So you can go and give your strength
To others who are in greater plight
I would like to thank you for the time
That to me you willingly in silence gave
And I know deep in my precious heart
That my soul you will always save, Amen"
I watched now through tear filled eyes
As this soldier once again did stand
Reaching out to his family's picture
Picking it up in his trembling hand
To his lips he brought it slowly
In soft words he said, "You I all miss"
Then up to his trembling lips
I watched as he gave it a kiss
Then he laid down on his bed of sand
Reached and turned out the dim light
Closing his eyes he faded to sleep
Somewhere in the world this Christmas night
©Tall Mountain Dreamer
