Twas the night before Christmas, He lived all alone
In a one bedrom house made of plaster and stone

I had come down the chimney with presents to give
and just to see who in this home did live

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see
No tinsel, no presents , not even a tree

No stocking 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 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 all alone
curled up on the floor in this one bed room home

The face was so gentle the room in such disorder
Not how I pictured a United States 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 might
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 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 dont 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 shivered from the cold nights chill

I didnt want to leave on that cold dark night
This guardian of honor so willing to fight

Than the soldier rolled over with a voice soft and pure
whispered "carry on santa,it's Christmass day all is secure

One look at my watch,and I knew he was right
"Merry Christmass my friend and to all a good night"

Sent to me last year by a very dear friend please pass it on

G.I. Joe