Holiday Poem

**sparklelynx** · December 10th, 2002, 11:16 PM

This is kind of long. I don't know who wrote it, but I thought I'd pass it along.

The Night Before A Navy Christmas.

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived in a crowd.
In 40 man berthing, with shipmates to loud.
I came down the exhaust stack with presents to give.
And to see just whom in this rack did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see.
No tinsel, no ribbons, not even a tree.
No stockings were hung, just boots close at hand.
On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land.
She had medals and badges and awards of all kind.
And a sober thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, it was so dark and so dreary.
I had found the house of a sailor, once I could see clearly.
The sailor lay sleeping, silent, and alone.
Curled up in a ball, dreaming of home.
The face was so gentle, the berthing in such good order.
Not how I pictured a United States Sailor.
Was this the hero, whom I saw on T.V.?
Defending her country, so we all could be free?
I realized the families that I've seen this night.
Owed their lives to these Sailors, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the world, children would play and,
Grownups would celebrate a New Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year.
Because of the Sailor, like the one here.
I could not help but wonder how may lay alone.
On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The Sailor awakened and I heard a rough voice.
"Santa, don't cry, for this is my choice."
"Defend the seas this day, so that others may rejoice."
The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep, I could not help but continue to weep.
I kept watch for hours so silent, so still.
And we both shivered from the nights cold chill.
I did not want to leave on that cold dark night.
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the Sailor rolled over and with a voice soft and pure.
"Carry on Santa, It's Christmas Day, ALL is SECURE."

Thankyou so much to All who serve in the United States Armed Forces.
Merry Christmas to All of you...Come Home SOON.
*Sparkle*

**charlie c** · December 10th, 2002, 11:31 PM

Nice one Lynx, I share the sentiments.

**CCfan** · December 11th, 2002, 12:12 AM

Thanks for sharing, it brought a tear to my eye.

Merry Christmas to all!

**gus danger** · December 11th, 2002, 01:34 AM

That was great Sparkle. Thanks for sharing it with us. I hope and pray the bush team will keep them out of harms way unless there is no other alternative.
I support our troops 100% whatever happens!
Gus