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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 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 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 families, that I saw this night,
0wed their lives to these soldiers, who were willing to fight.
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 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 eye,
I dropped to my knees, and started to cry.
The soldier awakened, and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't 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, and 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.
"Christmas In Dixie Alabama"
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