Subject: A Poem From Santa....
>
>
> '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.
> >
> > No stocking by the 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 a 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,
> > Owed 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,
> > 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."
> >
> > This poem was written by a Marine statioined in
> > Okinawa, Japan. The following is his request.
> > I think it is reasonable..............
> >
> > Please! Would you do me the kind favor of sending
> > this to as many people as you can? Christmas will
> > be coming soon and some credit is due to our US
> > servicemen and women for our being able to celebrate
> > these festivities.
> >
> > Let's try in a small way to pay a tiny bit for what we owe.
> > Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and
> > dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
>>
> > PLEASE, do your small part to plant this small seed...
A Merry Christmas to all our fine brave soldiers. X
