Soldier's Silent Night

[stellabluegrl]

My brother sent this to me in an e-mail and I thought I would share it with you all.

 

Here's the link to hear the poem:

 

http://www.wlit.com/onair/melissaforman/

 

Or if you would just rather just read the lyrics...here they are:

 

 

A Soldier's Silent Night

 

'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 familes

that I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers

who were willing to fight.

 

Soon round the world,

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 wonder

how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve

in a land far from home.

 

The very thought

brought a tear to my eyes,

I dropped to my knees

and started to cry.

 

The soldier awakened

and I heard a rough voice,

"Santa dont' 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,

whisperd, "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."

[bansi4]

Very touching stella and plenty of food for thought. Our

prayers are with those guys and gals over there and God bless them all.

I was also impressed with Time magazines Person of the Year The American Soldiers. A fine choice indeed.

 

Mongo

[classicsfan1119]

My heartfelt thanks to all the soldiers who are in a very difficult distant land, fighting for Freedom from terror. And, my heart aches for those who will never come home again, and their families whose Christmas's will never be the same. God Bless them, each and every one.