T'was the night before Christmas,
o He lived all alone,
o In a one bedroom house, made of plaster and stone.
o I had come down the chimney, with presents to give,
o And to see just who, in this home, did live.
* I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
o No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
o No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
o On the wall hung some pictures of far distant lands.
o With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
* A sober thought, came through my mind.
o For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
o I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
o The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
o Curled up on the floor, in this one bedroom home.
* The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
o Not how I had pictured an American soldier.
o Was this the hero, of whom I'd just read?
o Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
o I realized the families, that I saw this night,
* Owed their lives to these soldiers,
o Who were willing to fight.
o Soon round the world, the children would play,
o And grownups would celebrate, a bright Christmas day.
o They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year,
* Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
o I couldn't help wonder, how many lay alone,
o In a cold Christmas eve, in a land far from home.
o The very thought brought, a tear to my eye,
o I dropped to my knees, and started to cry.
* The soldier awakened, and i heard a rough voice,
o "Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;
o I fight for freedom, i don't ask for more,
o My life is my god, my country, my corps."
o The soldier rolled over, and drifted to sleep,
* I couldn't control it, i continued to weep.
o I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
o And we both shivered, from the cold night's chill.
o I didn't want to leave, on that cold, dark, night,
o This guardian of honour, so willing to fight.
* When the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
o Whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day & all is secure."
o One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
o Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.