Fulfilling a Marine’s request

By Pat Eudy

This poem was written by a Marine, and he had the following request: “The holidays are here and some credit is due our servicemen and servicewomen for our being able to celebrate these holidays. We need to stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who have sacrificed themselves for us.”

A New Christmas Poem

‘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 stockings by the mantel, just boots full of sand; on a 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 found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent and 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 U.S. Soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for his 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 the Holidays.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

The very though 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, and 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 as we both shivered from the cold night’s chill.

The soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day and all is secure.”