....written by a British Peacekeeping soldier, stationed overseas.
It's Christmas Day, all is secure
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 small home did live.
I looked all about, strange sight I did see
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree
No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land
With medals and badges, awards of all kind
Then a sober thought came to my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary
T'was 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 disorder
Not how I pictured the home of a soldier
Was this the hero of whom I had just read
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realised that the families I saw on this night
Owed their lives to these soldiers, who were willing to fight
And soon around the world the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoy freedom each month of the year
Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder, how many 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 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 sat and shivered from the cold nights chill
I didn't want to leave, on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honour, so willing to fight...
The the soldier rolled over and with a voice soft and pure
Whispered "Carry on Santa, Christmas Day is secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right
Merry Christmas my friends - and to all a good night!
