A different Christmas poem!

[garrett1955]

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.

It's my duty to stand at the front of the line

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,

Then he sighed,

"That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother

Who stand at the front against any and all

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.

So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust

That we mattered to you, as you mattered to us.

PRAY FOR OUR

MILITARY PERSONNEL EVERY NIGHT!


Thank a soldier for what they have done and are doing!

Merry Christmas men and women who serve for us!

 

[Reddog1]

I recieved that poam in my e-mail. It saddens me to think of what the young
and old men and women in uniform have done for this country with little or
no thanks. It is indeed a sad state the way some of our countrymen treat
our service people. I for one wish I was still with my old comrades in arms.
Memories are very sad at times.

May Our Higher Power Watch Over Them All

Jim

 

[GRB]

Very touching indeed, who is the author?

 

[KriegHund]

That was good.

In truth, our soldiers are more martyrs than any suicide bomber shall ever be.

 

[Mnemesyne]

very touching ....who wrote it?

 

[1911 guy]

My thanks.

My thanks and gratitiude go to any man or woman who served this nation or is now serving. My thanks go to families who endure the separation while their loved ones serve. God grant the separation be temporary, and peace to those on the line.

 

[therealsteamer]

Just read this to my almost 5 year old daughter. Pretty hard to answer the whys, but she told me to tell "him" its ok..... Only through the eyes of a child!!
She asked me how come he did not give him a hug, she says she would cause its nice.........kids.............

Thanks to all of you serving and laying it on the line to protect us and allowing her to have and maintain that innocence.........

Steamer

 

[Ala Dan]

I also received this poem by e-mail. Very moving indeed, and I saved it too
my favorites folder. May GOD BLESS AMERICA, and her warriors past and
present. Please be with each of them, and keep 'em out of harms way~!
Thank you one and all for serving, and your sacrifices. You will NEVER be
forgotten~!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

 

[garrett1955]

I dont know who wrote it... I read it over at the bighammer boards. thought it was touching, and wanted to spred it around. and wanted to let or soldires know everyone is thinking of them!

keep up the good work, brave men and women!

 

[f4t9r]

excellent

 

[Preacherman]

While thinking of soldiers, you might like to take a look at a Christmas letter from a doctor in Iraq. I've posted it on APS in this thread. Worth a read.