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weeble40
13-12-10, 14:22
i found this poem in the paper and wanted to share it with you all, please spare a thought for all our brave heros


THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

’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 stocking by the 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 lone British soldier.
Was this the hero

Of whom I’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho,

The floor for a bed?
I realised 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 grown-ups 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 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 sat and shivered,

From the cold night’s chill.
I didn’t 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 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.”

ElizabethJane
13-12-10, 15:26
Hi Weeble, Lynnann has posted the very same poem in 'misc'. It is important for us to remember our soldiers and war dead/wounded whatever the season. EJ.