T'was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
And to see just who in this house did live.
As I looked all about a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of some distant land.
With medals and badges and awards of all kind,
A sobering thought came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I've seen,
For this was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene.
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Could this be the hero of who I'd just read?
Curled in a poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon realized this was more than a man.
I realized the families I'd visited that night,
Owed their lives to these people, always ready to fight.
In just a few hours all the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate another Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month and all year,
Because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn't help but wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
He must have awoken for I heard a rough voice,
Don't cry Santa, for this is my choice.
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
My life is God, my Country, my Corps.
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
Then noticed that he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And covered my hero, from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-Shirt of scarlet and gold,
With Eagle, Glove and Anchor, emblazoned so bold.
Although it barely fit me, I swelled deep with pride,
For this one private moment, I felt Marine deep insid.
I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
This guardian of honor, willing to die in a fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, in a voice clean and pure,
Said, "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, Semper Fi, and good night.

Author unknown


Return to Home Page


This page hosted by   Get your own Free Home Page
1