a small poem i found hope you like

[moggyminor16]

'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 little house lived.
As 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 sobering thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
The home of a soldier, I could now 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 picture a British 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 wondering 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 one knee and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, for 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,
as 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

[bmcecosse]

Very good - well found mate! It's a little early for Christmas - but the sentiments are well said.

[simmitc]

Early for Christmas, but less than a month to 11th November. Well done MoggyMinor16. Let's all remember why we are able to enjoy the lives that we do.

[Mick_Anik]

There is something about poetry....I'm not an academic, but do appreciate the format. For example, if this poem were presented in standard prose, it would lose its emotional power.

Apparently, the popularity of poetry is growing very fast in the UK. It's a shame it is still often regarded as highbrow, or airy-fairy.

It is in fact as intricate as a game of chess, and makes great demands of the writer.

And you can have fun.....

"I wondered, only as a lout.......a toast of olden daft ideals..."