Santa And The Soldier

[ChillDoubt]

Just posting my annual post at this time of year, dedicated to all who've served and do serve, 24/7 in all corners of the globe who won't be home with family this Xmas.

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” .

[viv41]

Who's peeling onions around here ......... That was LOVELY x

[retrocop]

Thank you all Lads and Lassies. Peace to you all (t'il the next one). We owe you big time. I also think of your families whilst you do your duty.

[murraymints]

ah....how lovely chilli xx

[ChillDoubt]

Thanks viv,
I tried bumping one of my previous OP's but it doesn't seem to work.

[ChillDoubt]

Thanks minty, not caught up with you in a while, hope you and yours are in good health xx

[Lie-in King]

Thank you ChillDoubt - I'll raise a glass to the men & women in the services, both current & former & wish them the very best Christmas they & their families can have & deserve - cheers to them all! :-)

[Baldric]

Same problem as viv, someone's peeling onions 'round here somewhere,
Cheers for that CD.

[Mamyalynne]

To all who serve us and have in the past , their families too who may be missing them this Christmas - I send thanks and joy for the future.x


Thank you for a wonderful post CD.

[TWR]

Chill, I can't find the words to follow "Santa and the Soldier" Brilliant.

[Psybbo]

Lovely, thanks Chill, lump in throat time.

[ChillDoubt]

I'd give you all Best Answer if I could but it goes to viv for being the first to respond.
Thanks to you all for the sentiments expressed, have a good one everybody.

[paddywak]

Nice one chill,I found it very touching especially as my sisters grand-son in law has just been posted back to Afghanistan as one of the "advisors" in Sangin.He never talks about it but we all worry when he's in that sort of place as he's right at the very sharp end in bomb disposal.Not a nice christmas present but all we can do is keep our fingers crossed and pray he gets back home safe and sound to his wife and two boys

[marval]

That is so moving, thank you ChillDoubt. A happy Christmas to you, and all those away serving for their country.