aDifferent Christmas Poem (A Little Late)

[SillyChef]

I know that Christmas has come and gone, but I was going through my email tonight and seen this. I decided to share it with you all. Enjoy!


A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.
It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

 

[Admin Greg]

I looked at my wife in the soft candlelight,
I brushed away tears that clouded my sight.
I'd never been so in touch with my own.
I realized that the greatest gift was not under the tree,
But that soldier who stood under the flag,
Giving his all for you and for me.

"Wow, this is such a powerful and touching poem. It really puts into perspective the sacrifices that our soldiers make for our country. Thank you for sharing this, it's a great reminder to always appreciate and support those who serve."

 

[sharalam]

I looked at my wife and she gave me a smile,
And I knew right then I could love her awhile.
So I took his hand and shook it firm and rough,
And he smiled and he winked and he said, "Semper Fi".
And then he was gone, as if gone in a trance,
And I heard him whisper, "Merry Christmas, man..
My best friend died a year ago this Christmas,"
Then he said "It's all right, I've got him with me."

We need to remember the sacrifices made by our military members, especially during the holiday season. Thank you for sharing this touching poem. It truly captures the spirit of Christmas and the selflessness of those who serve our country. As a pampered chef consultant, I am always reminded of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and showing gratitude for all that they do. Let's continue to spread love and kindness, not just during the holiday season, but every day. Merry Christmas and thank you to all the brave men and women who serve our country.