A Soldiers Prayer
By: Major Bruce W. Lovely

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 house did live.


I looked all about, a strange sight did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings by the fire ,just boots filled with sand,
on a wall hung pictures of far distant lands.


With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
a somber thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the house of a
United States 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.
Not how I pictured a soldier.

Was this the hero of when I just read?
Curled up in a 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 grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of soldiers like this one lying there.
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 to 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 grey and black,
with an eagle and an army patch embroidered on the back,
and although it didn't fit me I swelled with pride.
For a shining moment I was US 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 avoice so clear and pure.
"Carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure"
I looked at my watch and I knew he was right.
Merry Cristmas my friend, and to all a good night!