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 stockings 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 sobering thought
Came through my mind.



For this house was different
It was dark and dreary,
I had 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 disorder,
Not how I pictured
A UN Soldier.



Was this the Hero
Of whom I just read?
Curled up on a poncho
The floor for his 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 these Soldiers
Like the one lying here.



I couldn't help but wonder
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 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 Corp.



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 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's Secure'"



One look at my watch
And I knew he was right,
"Merry Christmas my Friend,
And to all a good night."