A Poem for Christmas - The Soldier

[cockneyrock]

Here is a poem sent to me by a friend of mine. I don't think there are any copyright issues as the author is anonymous.

Some might see it as sentimental; some will see it as poignant at this time of year. It may not be the best piece of poetry, however, I believe it acts as a good reminder for all of us to remember those soldiers, sailors and airmen who are currently in a 'bad place' whether that be overseas on operations or the many ex serving personnel who are homeless or destitute here at home.

I would ask one thing of members of this site, if you have a smart remark to badmouth the intent of this post, please have some respect and keep it to yourself.

Thanks and Merry Xmas

The Soldier

‘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'D 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 COMMONWEALTH SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ,
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALISED 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 GROWN-UPS 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 HONOUR
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 an Australian soldier stationed Overseas on Peacekeeping. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable...

PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favour of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to all of our service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of 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.

 

[Cat of Shadows]

Cockney Rock

Well done fella.

A sound sentiment and one perfectly justified on this forum.

It would be nice to think that if we get enough money from the donations to this site in future years that there may be some room for a donation from e-goat to a suitable charity for those of our community who may have fallen on harder times. Just a thought.

Have a good one.

 

[Stax]

Sentimental? Yes, but it reminded me of another quotation:

"There are men of a rough persuasion who are willing to take care of the kinds of situations that ordinary people can't. They're called soldiers"

 

[The Controller]

I would ask one thing of members of this site, if you have a smart remark to badmouth the intent of this post, please have some respect and keep it to yourself.

....wouldn't dream of it cockneyrock....bought a tear to my eye I can tell you!

Thanks for sharing,

The Controller

 

[HilstonPols]

Thank you CR, that was excellent and so true.