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Archiver > ESSEX-UK > 2003-12 > 1071483821


From: "Diane Sowden" <>
Subject: Re: (no subject)
Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2003 10:23:41 -0000
References: <1de.150aa9ce.2d0e6481@wmconnect.com>


This is a lovely one, that you for it.

Diane
----- Original Message -----
From: <>
To: <>
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2003 1:12 AM
Subject: (no subject)


> I am not the author, and don't know who is, but it seems
> > appropriate right now.
> >
> > The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
> > I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
> >
> > My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
> > My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
> >
> > Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
> > Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
> >
> > The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
> > Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
> >
> > My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
> > Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
> >
> > In perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
> > So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
> >
> > The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
> > But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
> >
> > Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
> > Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
> >
> > My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
> > And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
> >
> > Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
> > A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
> >
> > A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
> > Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
> >
> > Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
> > Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
> >
> > "What are you doing?" I asked without fear
> > "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
> >
> > Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
> > You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
> >
> > For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
> > Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
> >
> > To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
> > Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
> > I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night"
> >
> > "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
> > That separates you from the darkest of times.
> >
> > No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
> > I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
> >
> > My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
> > Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
> >
> > My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam
> > And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
> >
> > I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
> > But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
> >
> > Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
> > The red white and blue... an American flag.
> >
> > "I can live through the cold and the being alone,
> > Away from my family, my house and my home,
> >
> > I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
> > I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat,
> >
> > I can carry the weight of killing another
> > Or lay down my life with my sister and brother
> >
> > who stand at the front against any and all,
> > to ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
> >
> > "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright
> > Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
> >
> > "But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
> > "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
> >
> > It seems all too little for all that you've done,
> > For being away from your wife and your son."
> >
> > Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
> > "Just tell us you love us, and never forget
> >
> > To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone.
> > To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
> >
> > For when we come home, either standing or dead,
> > To know you remember we fought and we bled
> >
> > is payment enough, and with that we will trust.
> > That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.
> >
> > Friends, keep Our military people in your prayers. They are risking
> > their lives to protect what we take for granted, and we are losing
> > soldiers every day. They won't be home with their families this
Christmas.
> I
> > pray God will Bless Them, and keep them safe.
> >
> > Happy Holidays,
> > Arvle George
>
>


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