Santa & The Soldier

[ChillDoubt]

As ever, no apologies for my obligatory annual post. Not everyone makes it home for Xmas and this is dedicated to HM Forces who have served and those who presently do but especially for those in far flung corners of the globe, preserving our safety, democracy and freedom that we so often take for granted:

SANTA AND THE SOLDIER

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 home did live
I looked all about, a strange sight to see
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree
No stockings by mantle, just boots full of sand
On the wall hung some pictures of far distant lands
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds
A sobering thought came into my mind

For this house was different, so dark and so dreary
The home of a soldier, now I could see clearly
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone
Curled up on the floor of this one bedroom home
The face was so gentle, the room in disorder
Not how I had pictured a young British soldier
So was this the hero, of whom I had read?
Curled up in a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realised the families that I’d seen this night
Owed their lives to this soldier, so willing to fight

Soon all round the world the children would play
And grown ups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day
They all enjoyed freedom, each day of the year
Because of the soldier like the one lying here
I could not help but wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home
That very thought brought a tear to my eye
I dropped to my knees and started to cry

The soldier awakened and I heard his voice
Saying “Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice;
My life is my comrades, my Country, my Corps”
The soldier rolled over, drifted off back asleep
I couldn’t control it, continued to weep
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
And both did we shiver from the cold night chill

I did not want to leave on that cold, dark night
This guardian of honour so willing to fight
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure
Whispered “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas, all is secure”
A glance at my watch and I knew he was right
“Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night”.

[Eleena]

X

[waterboatman]

I was one of those soldiers. Christmas day patrolling Belfast during the troubles.

[fiction-factory]

Thanks. We owe so much to HM Forces past and present and it's good to get reminders. I wish we could do more to help the veterans suffering homelessness on the streets and with mental health issues

[Eleena]

In memory of my great uncle who didn't go home.

[Rockrose]

I spent many a Christmas Day without my dad when young and then my brothers too when them became old enough, my mother saw many Christmas days without her father husband or sons over her lifetime

[Peter Pedant]

grunts' future more uncertain
now that Trump is helping with foreign policy

[margarettom]

Very moving poem ChillDoubt and thanks for the reminder.

[retrocop]

Good sentiment chill.
Thanks for reminding us.
Will think of rat packs and MRE when I eat my turkey roast in warmth and security.

[ChillDoubt]

We've certainly pounded the same streets there, boaty.

[Baldric]

Thanks for that Chill.

[ChillDoubt]

It's a pleasure, Baldric.

[Mamyalynne]

For all who gave so much to us and all that lie cold and alone this night (and more) - Thank you.x

[Lie-in King]

Thank you, ChillDoubt - I wish as happy a Christmas as possible to all who have served to keep us safe.

[gness]

Thank you, Chill......x