T was 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.

N o stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures, of far distant lands.

W ith medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sober thought, came through my mind.

F or this house was different,
It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier...
once I could see clearly.

T he soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor, in this one bedroom home.

T he face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a Country's brave soldier.

W as 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.

S oon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate, a bright Christmas Day.

T hey 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.

T he very thought brought, a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees, and started to cry.

T he 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 God, my country, my corps."

T he 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.

T hen the soldier rolled over,
With a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "carry on Santa,
It's Christmas Day, all is secure."

O ne look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.