Carry On Santa - All Is Secure

~Snooper~

Two versions here and here. (videos)(HT)

audio link here



"'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 who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,

no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand,

on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

a sober thought came through my mind.

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary.

I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor of this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in disorder

not how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realize the families I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers who are willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,

and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year

because of soldiers like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone

on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

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."

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still

and we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,

this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,

whispered: "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day, all is secure."

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,

"Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night."




.