A Soldier's Christmas Poem

[bdahunter]

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold, and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

LCDR JEFF GILES
30th NAVAL CONSTRUCTION REG.
OIC LOGISTICS CELL 1
AL TAQQADUM, IRAQ

:merrychristmas:


I saw this on another site and just had to share it with the TQ Family. One day there may be no need for soldiers but until that day comes they stand on guard for thee.

God Bless,

[EPC Guy]

Amen.

['E']

All I can say is WOW, great poem Eric, thanks so much for that, will have to copy that one down.

[gordiesgirl]

Awesome Poem Eric, Thanks for sharing. Just Wow:santa1:

[Buster]

Very cool Eric...Thanks for that one.............Buster........

[EBCIII]

Wow! Eric that was a great poem! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I will have to copy it also, Beale.

[Tn Dirt Digger]

My son called me from Iraq about an hour ago...just my 2nd call since he left a year ago...He will be home come 15 Feb....I've been strong since he has been gone, don't want momma to see me worry. You know how it is....Got to put on the front. He has a wife and four kids he is missing this Christmas...Your poem brought out emotions I have been able to contain until now....Good thing momma ain't here......Can't wait till he is home...

[bdahunter]

Just hold the fort a little longer, Mate. He'll be home soon.

Originally Posted by Tn Dirt Digger

My son called me from Iraq about an hour ago...just my 2nd call since he left a year ago...He will be home come 15 Feb....I've been strong since he has been gone, don't want momma to see me worry. You know how it is....Got to put on the front. He has a wife and four kids he is missing this Christmas...Your poem brought out emotions I have been able to contain until now....Good thing momma ain't here......Can't wait till he is home...

[Buster]

George, I feel for you on this one...spent long months away from family when I was in...It was not a good thing...I am glad he will be home in Feb..That will be great...Till then hang tight...and thank him for his service from us here at Treasure Quest also...Buster.....:reindeer:

[The TINMAN]

:christmaswindow: :christmaswindow: Thank you Eric for Posting that !!
What an awesome poem.
George, Glad to hear your son will be home soon !
Please tell him " Thank You " for His Service !