Kate reprinted a poem called “A Soldier’s Christmas”. I’m not entirely sure who wrote it; it gets attributed to a number of different people. It’s a great poem, that’s probably why it has become a pass-around. Recommended reading.
However… I like the following poem, with the same title, better. This was written by Michael Marks. Teaser below; read the whole poem at this site.
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 eye 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.
Read the rest. If it doesn’t at least make your eyes water a bit, I’d recommend an immediate heart transplant.
Merry Christmas to all, and a happy Boxing Day to those a bit ahead of my time zone. And to all those stationed all around the world, watching over us and others, thank you.
