12/26/2021
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
To see just who,
in this dwelling did live.
I looked around
A strange sight to see
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.
On the wall hung pictures
of far distant lands.
Medals 'n badges, awards of every kind;
A sobering thought came alive in my mind.
This house was different...
it was dark, it was dreary.
I had found the home of a soldier,
I could see that most clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping,
Silent, Alone; Curled up on the floor
In this one bedroom home.
His face was so gentle,
The room in such disorder;
Not at all how I pictured
a brave, courageous, soldier.
Was this the hero
of whom I'd just read;
Curled up on a poncho,
the floor for a bed?
Then I realized the other families
I saw this night,
Owed their lives to soldiers
Who were willing to fight.
In the morning, round the world,
Children would play;
Grown-ups would celebrate
A bright Christmas Day.
But they all enjoy freedom
Each month of the year,
Because of soldiers
Like the one lying here.
I couldn't help but wonder
How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve
In lands far from home.
The very thought
Brought a tear to my eyes;
I dropped to my knees,
I started to cry.
The soldier awakened
I heard his 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.
But, I couldn't control it,
I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours,
So silent and still;
As both of us shivered
From the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave him
On that cold, dark night;
This guardian of honour,
So willing to fight.
Then, the soldier rolled over,
In a voice soft and pure,
He whispered, "Carry on Santa,
It's Christmas Day, all is secure."
One look at my watch,
I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas my friend,
May God bless you this night.
Marine Corps Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt 1986
Source: With a slight change of working, this poem has become known as - "A Soldier's Silent Night"
The original poem "Merry Christmas, My Friend"
