Santa & The Soldier

[ChillDoubt]

I post this every Xmas and make no apology for it.

This year, I dedicate it to all my former colleagues and friends in HM Forces and to all who still serve 24/7, in all terrains and conditions.
It is also posted with the family of Lee Rigby in mind and for the dreadful year they've had to endure, along with the Sapper who fell yesterday and what his family must be going through at this particular time.

SANTA AND THE SOLDIER

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 to see
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree
No stockings by mantle, just boots full of sand
On the wall hung some pictures of far distant lands
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds
A sobering thought came into my mind

For this house was different, so dark and so dreary
The home of a soldier, now I could see clearly
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone
Curled up on the floor of this one bedroom home
The face was so gentle, the room in disorder
Not how I had pictured a young British soldier
So was this the hero, of whom I had read?
Curled up in a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realised the families that I’d seen this night
Owed their lives to this soldier, so willing to fight

Soon all round the world the children would play
And grown ups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day
They all enjoyed freedom, each day of the year
Because of the soldier like the one lying here
I could not help but wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home
That very thought brought a tear to my eye
I dropped to my knees and started to cry

The soldier awakened and I heard his voice
Saying “Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice;
My life is my comrades, my Country, my Corps”
The soldier rolled over, drifted off back asleep
I couldn’t control it, continued to weep
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
And both did we shiver from the cold night chill

I did not 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, all is secure”
A glance at my watch and I knew he was right
“Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night” .

[boxtops]

Love this poem - thank you for the reminder, chill.

[ChillDoubt]

Just a 'bump' for my annual post as opposed to starting a new thread.