A Soldier's Silent Night (Vanity)

Unknown | Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt

[Army MP Retired]

'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, net 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,
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.
The 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.

[Army MP Retired]

I'm certain most FReepers being God fearing patriots that they are, have seen this every year.... I just felt compelled to post it for anyone who hasn't . It is read to the poetic rhythm of "T'was the Night Before Christmas." Enjoy - and God save our union and our Warriors.

[BykrBayb]

Thank you. Merry Christmas.

[wombtotomb]

As always from my family to every man and woman who stands on that wall {{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs and kisses}}}}}}}}}}}}}, I love you all. I wish there was more I could do and say that would let them know how much I care, but they, much as that poem, do it for God,Country, Family and Corp, they accept my love and gratitude, and need nothing more.

Merry Christmas to our beautiful, brave, soldiers!! Stay safe and come home when victory allows! xoxo from the wife of a disabled vet who has no other heros but our Military/police/firefighters and my parents.

[Colonial Warrior]

[Colonial Warrior]

[JoeProBono]

[whatisthetruth]

Remembering our troops ping

[Allegra]

I just got back from R&R and have seen this up in two places already - one in the coffee shop here on base and the other on the central bulletin board. Seems that every time I've passed either location today, somebody has been reading it.

May God bless our troops.

[Eastbound]

bttt!

[abigail2]

Thanks for the ping and thanks to all the troops. We love you!

[abigail2]

Thats kinda of a scary santa!

[whatisthetruth]

Well my other choice was this one

[abigail2]

ARRUUUUUUUUGH! Where do you come up with these pictures!!

[fabian]

Evil in the world, and there is so much of it, is really a blessing because it gives soldiers and all of us a chance to love alot and grows character when met with with patience...that character that never leaves.

[luvadavi]

I love this poem. God bless & keep all our brave warriors who keep us free!

[NicknamedBob]

Thought you might find this of interest:

.

A Difficult Season

This is a most difficult season,
We've traveled a distance this year.
I'm growing increasingly worried,
My dear wife and I are in fear.

Our journey has been quite a hard one,
And others have passed us in haste,
If we are to find some comfort,
We haven't a moment to waste.

But she could give birth any minute,
This motion is not a good thing.
We'll need to rest long when we get there,
And we'll need all the coin we can bring.

This traveling back to my hometown,
Means that I and my child will share,
This place of birth and our kinship,
With others who dwell about there.

The town is decidedly crowded,
There's not a room to be had.
The innkeeper lets us take shelter,
In a stable nearby. It's not bad.

The earthy smells are a comfort,
Somewhat like a scent of new wood,
As a carpenter, I know I'll rest easy,
If my wife will agree that it's good.

I would think it could be a bit festive,
With a pine bough to sweeten the air,
And a candle or lamp, to keep out the night damp,
But I sit on the straw and just stare.

For beyond the smoke of our camp-fires,
I can see a bright star in the sky,
The heavens may have their works revealed,
But I cannot spare them my eye.

For my wife is finding comfort,
In the straw of our rude little space,
And so, like it or not, I'm preparing,
To welcome our child in this place.

So a food trough becomes a first cradle,
As he comfortably makes it his own,
All swaddled about, with his face shining out,
He can reign like a king on his throne.

When I get to a place I can work at,
I'll make a good cradle, and sound,
A carpenter's son shouldn't have to accept,
Some rough sticks in a bad part of town.

NicknamedBob . . . . . . December 16, 2008

[dynachrome]

Thanks WITT.

[Allegra]

That is absolutely beautiful. You wrote that?

[NicknamedBob]

Yes, of course. (That’s why I signed it ...)

It’s kinda almost a Christmas story, but I didn’t name any names.

Do you remember this one?

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1370297/posts?page=83#84

[Allegra]

Yes, of course. (That’s why I signed it ...)

Sorry...I'm still quite jet-lagged. ;-)

It’s kinda almost a Christmas story, but I didn’t name any names.

In my interpretation, it seemed very much a Christmas story and beautifully presented.

Do you remember this one?

I don't know if I saw that one the first time around, but I love it. Perhaps I'll print it out and hang it on the the bulletin board in the main lobby of our building so the troops can see it, if that's OK with you.