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 you 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,
> >The he sighed and he said, "It's 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 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 you wife and your son."
> >
> >Then his eyes 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 to all.