A SOLDIERS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

[kiwi_2005]

Recieved a email from unknown asking me to send to as many as i could.

Thought this would be a good site to put the poem up. Original written by a Japanses student.

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & 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 fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.

His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.

Soon ‘round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just 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."

With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head.
And I put on his T-shirt of gray and black,
With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside.
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, whispered with a voice so clean and pure,
"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!

[Skybird]

there is a german or French movie to be shown shortly about this one christmas night during WWI when soldiers left trenches and celebrated and sung together (a true historcial event). From the scenes I saw it is a very good and moving, but unsentimental movie (nominated for one Oscar next year).

[Catfish]

Hello,
yes, the film is called "Merry Christmas" and the incident really happened.
I intend to watch it next time -
Greetings,
Catfish

[Iceman]

Thks Kiwi

[Excalibur Bane]

Yeah. I read about that incident. It was quite profound. Men on both sides emerged from the trenches and walked on no man's land, sang Silent Night together in their respectives languages, had a few laughs and drinks and everything was peaceful for a little while.

After that they got back to the business at hand, killing each other. Hrm. Sad, but still a nice story nontheless.

My Grandfather was there in the trenches on the German side during WW1 when this incident happened over Christmas. He remembered the soldiers crossing the lines. He said the words "Can you imagine" this happening during the war when so many men were being killed at an alarming rate. When he looked back on the war years later, he said it was a strange thing to have happen.

With regards to war in general after fighting 4 years in the German trenches he said, "Niemals wieder". Translated that means "Never again" (would he fight).........and said war is crazy.

[Dust]

they also played football.

at some areas they refused to shoot each other so officers shooted the enemy to bring the soldiers back to fight.

[Excalibur Bane]

Originally Posted by U-552Erich-Topp

My Grandfather was there in the trenches on the German side during WW1 when this incident happened over Christmas. He remembered the soldiers crossing the lines. He said the words "Can you imagine" this happening during the war when so many men were being killed at an alarming rate. When he looked back on the war years later, he said it was a strange thing to have happen.

With regards to war in general after fighting 4 years in the German trenches he said, "Niemals wieder". Translated that means "Never again" (would he fight).........and said war is crazy.

Interesting you should say that. "Never again" is a slogan for a Veteran organization here.