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**Pr0ph3t** · December 10th, 11:04 PM

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 foud 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 in 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 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

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 this cold dark night
The 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,
to all a good night."

It's a bit long, but freakin read it. Kat showed me, and it's pretty sweet.