You posted a version of my favorite Christmas Poem, being an ex-Marine. The original was written by a Marine for his fellow Marines.
Merry Christmas, My Friend
By a Marine Lance Corporal, 1986
T’was 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 the home did live
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land
With medals and badges, awards of all kind.
A sobering thought soon came to my mind
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen
This was the home of a U.S. Marine
I’d 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
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine
Was this the hero of whom I had just read?
Curled up in his 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 I saw that night,
Owed their lives to these me who were willing to fight.
Soon around the nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
Because of Marines like this one lying here.
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 I started to cry.
He must of awoken, for 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, 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 covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
With an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
Although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for one shining moment I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
Said “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.
