SmokeEater

‘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 home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight did 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 of 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'd just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean shaven, his face weathered 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 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 have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry. This 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 into 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.

And 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.

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***Edited for explicit content***

Mouse

Devil Dogs???? are you Associated with the Marine Corps.....because I am a Viet Nam Vet....1970-1971....Lima Co 3/1....Damn i'm OLD....

SmokeEater

In a way... yes. I'm a Navy HM3, going FMF.

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***Edited for explicit content***

SmokeEater

BUMP

Merry Christmas 2005

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***Edited for explicit content***

jones

Merry Christmas

injunboy

thx doc for the wishes, it was a good one for sure

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thanks dad for showing me the way, teaching me the language, and not leaving my mother...*L*

*original XXL *

jus like McSteamie

Ndnsoldierboy

Life member of the 1st Marine Division Association / Operation Desert Storm (SWA), and a life member of A co 1/5.

1985-93.

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**jdazmum**

Kind of late, but gonna say it anyway........Merry Christmas. I took a vacation away from civilization, so barely catching up on here. Had an awesome new year at a powwow on the rez, they honored all the veterans and active servicemembers. We were showered with gifts from the 8th grade class, it was an honor to receive a gift from them kids in Shonto. Thank you.

NSB, how did you spend Christmas out there? How about New Year's Eve? Continue taking care of yourself and return home safely.

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Your integrity is your destiny… it is the light that guides your way.”
-Heraclitus, Greek poet and philosopher

Ndnsoldierboy

doing okay...for the most part, doing okay...we did lose some soldiers in our sector, and we treated some innocents but they didn't pull thru...breaks your heart to see them go so young...

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