Community Chat

[dooBdoo]

            This touches my heart, so I wanted to share it.  Thank you for reading it.❤️

   ------------

"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

To see just who,

in this dwelling did live.

I looked all around

A strange sight to see

No tinsel, no presents,

Not even a tree.

On the wall hung pictures

of far distant lands.

Metals 'n badges, awards of every kind;

A sobering thought came alive in my mind.

This house was different...

it was dark, it was dreary.

I had found the home of a soldier,

I could see that most clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,

Silent.   Alone.

Curled up on the floor

In this one bedroom home.

His face was so gentle,

The room in such disorder;

Not at all 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?

Then I realized the other families

I saw this night,

Owed their lives to soldiers

Who were willing to fight.

In the morning, round the world,

Children would play;

Grown-ups would celebrate

A bright Christmas Day.

But they all enjoy freedom

Each month of the year,

Because of soldiers

Like the one lying here.

I couldn't help but wonder

How many lay alone,

On a cold Christma Eve

In lands far from home.

The very thought

Brought a tear to my eyes;

I dropped to my knees,

I started to cry.

The soldier awakened

I heard his 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 G-d,

My country, my corps."

The soldier rolled over,

and drifted to sleep.

But, I couldn't control it,

I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,

So silent and still;

As both of us shivered

From the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave him

On that cold, dark night;

This guardian of honor,

So willing to fight.

Then, the soldier rolled over,

In a voice soft and pure,

He whispered, "Carry on Santa,

It's Christmas Day, all is secure."

One look at my watch,

I knew he was right.

Merry Christmas my friend,

May G-d bless you this night."

author:

U.S. Marine Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt, 1987

"May 'A Soldier's Silent Night' transcend any opinion about war, and go deeper to foster an appreciation for the selfless sacrifice and courage of United States soldiers, veterans and their families.

Originally titled "Merry Christmas, My Friend" and written by U.S. Marine Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987.

The audio recording was done by Father Ted Berndt (a proud U.S. Marine veteran of WWII) and his daughter Ellen Stout in one take."

~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Please watch the video, if you'd like:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INj75VHjthk&feature=youtu.be

❤️

[OKPrincess]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem.

[golding76]

Thank you, douBdou.  We can never thank enough those who so honorably protect us.

The true "warrior" is a special person.  

Very nice poem.

[BirdieGal]

😭😢

[Hippiified]

@dooBdoo

Thank you so much.

That is beautiful.

I have been blessed with lots of vets in my family.

[twentysixteen]

❤️

[dooBdoo]

@OKPrincess,   You're welcome.   I'm so glad you liked it.❤️

@golding76,   You're welcome.   I agree with you.   I've worked with military and veterans most of my life, and I never can express my gratitude enough.❤️

@BirdieGal,   I know...   it brings tears to my eyes, too.   The video does even more so.❤️

@Hippiified,   You're welcome.   We have veterans and active military in our family, too.   Please thank your loved ones for me.❤️

@twentysixteen,  ❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you all for your kind posts.   I appreciate you.

❤️

[lucymo]

@dooBdoo  It brings me to tears too.  My DH is a vet  and several close relatives but  they all deserve our thanks and  respect.  Tonight I'll pray harder for those who are in harms way in a place far from home.  Thanks for posting this poem.

[riley1]

@dooBdoo - Thank  you for posting this. I cried as I read it. We really don't thank our vets enough for all they do. I would like to say THANK YOU to all for everything you do.

[Oznell]

So timely and important, @dooBdoo.  Thanks!