Guest Author - Gary King
TWAS The Night Before Christmas
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 mantle, just boots filled with sand,
On the 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, 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 United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a 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 a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay 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 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 shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark, night,
This Guardian of Honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day, all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night."
This poem was written by a Marine in Okinawa Japan. I just sent out the Veterans Newsletter with this same poem. How very fitting, and we should all THINK. It is so very good of our service men and women as they put their lives on the line for us. We all need to get on OUR KNEES and give thanks to God for these dedicated men and women. God Bless all of them and may the Lord watch over each and every one of them. Some may have to pay the price associated with war, and may God forgive us, as a Nation, for having to send them to the War Zone. But God, in his infinite mercy, will forgive us and as He always does, will grant us comfort.
GOD BLESS all of you reading this and all visitors to Bella OnLine.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Lisa for creating, maintaining and operating Bella OnLine for giving to us something to make this world a better place to live. Gary King -- Bowling, Auto Polishing and Detailing and Veterans Host at Bella.
