Twas the night before Christmas, and he lived in
a crowd, In a 40 man tent, with warriors so loud. I had come into the tent with
presents to give, And to see just who in this rack did live. I looked all
about, and a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings were hung, just boots close at hand, On the locker hung pictures
of far distant lands. He had medals and ...badges and awards of all kind, And a
sobering thought came into my mind. For this place was different, it was so
dark and dreary, I had found the home of a Soldier, this I could see clearly.
The Soldier lay sleeping, silent and alone, Curled up in his rack, dreaming of
home. The face was so gentle, the barracks in such good order, But not how I
pictured a United States Soldier. Was this the hero whom I saw on TV? Defending
his country so we all could be free? I realized the families that I've seen
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 new
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 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, for this life is my
choice." "Defend my country this day, the peace do I keep." The
soldier then 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
and with a voice soft and pure, Whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas
... All is Secure"
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