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Twitchell
12-24-08, 01:25 PM
Merry Christmas, My Friend


By James M. Schmidt, a Marine Lance Corporal
stationed in Washington, D.C., in 1986
Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in 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 in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on 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 awoken, for 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."

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 and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.

Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was 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 goodnight.




To all of the Marines who can't be home for Christmas. Semper Fi!

OldGruntNamVet
12-24-08, 10:44 PM
That is some good writing. Makes all Marines swell up inside!! You need to post that in all forums Marine. OooohRahhh

:usmc:...Semper Fi...:usmc:

Big Jim
12-24-08, 10:53 PM
Got something in my eye after reading that.......

rb1651
12-25-08, 08:20 AM
Big Jim, every time I see this poem, the same thing happens to me. May all Marines and other service members currently deployed away from home have a safe and Merry Christmas.

jrhd97
12-25-08, 11:07 AM
After watching the Old Blue video ... then this... well the ole allergies are at it again.

thedrifter
12-26-08, 09:32 AM
Merry Christmas My Friend, A Marine's Christmas Poem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaWEsNGye14&feature=related

Ellie

thedrifter
12-26-08, 09:33 AM
A Different Christmas Poem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_P6yU_ymFM


Ellie

Twitchell
12-26-08, 01:13 PM
Thanks for those drifter!

Twitchell
12-23-09, 02:06 PM
Thought I would bring this one up again. God bless all those away from home, and over sea's this Christmas. Semper Fi!

giveen
12-23-09, 02:09 PM
http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/soldier.asp

True story behind the poem as well.