SwiftVets.com

[Sergei]

...And To Their Heroes...Until Then

[Sgt-Keeper]

>>> Subject: A Christmas Poem for All Americans
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> 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 you 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,
> >>> The he sighed and he said, "It's 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 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 you wife and your son."
> >>>
> >>> Then his eyes 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.
> >>>
> >>> Friends, keep Our military people in your prayers. They are
> >>> risking their lives to protect what we take for granted, and we
are
> >>> losing soldiers every day. They won't be home with their families
>this
> >>> Christmas. I pray God will Bless Them, and keep them safe.
> >>> Happy Holidays to all.
_________________
Fix the problem, not the blame.
USMC E5 Nam vet 65-66