��"The
Night Before Christmas"
'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 whom in this home did actually live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
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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.
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The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in the one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
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Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to
fight.
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Soon 'round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year,
Because of these soldiers, like the one lying here.
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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 I started to cry.
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The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice.
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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.
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I kept watch for hours, silent and still,
And we both shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that dark, cold night,
This guardian of honor, so willing to fight.
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Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and
pure,
Whispered, 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.
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