A Marine's Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all aloneIn a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.I had come down the chimney with presents to giveAnd to see whom in this house did live.As I looked all around a strange sight I did see,No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.No stockings by the fire, just boots full of sand.On the wall hung pictures of a faraway land.With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,A sobering thought soon came to my mind.For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.This was the house of a U.S. Marine.I'd heard stories about them, so I had to see more.I walked down the hallway 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 on 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 families that I had just seen that nightOwed their lives to these men, so willing to fight.Soon around the nation the children would playAnd grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.They enjoyed freedom each day and all yearBecause of Marines like the one lying here.I couldn't help but wonder how many lay aloneOn 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 awakened 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. So still.I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,To cover this Marine from his toes to his head.Then I put on his tee-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.For one shining moment, I was the 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 good night