Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

From my inbox - a recurring theme of love and devotion

Dec 13, 2003 2:46PM PST

that gets best regard at Christmas.

(Its USAmerican, but applies to those from everywhere whose job is to stand and protect).

Sacrifice

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 eye 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 Soldier (Marine, Sailor, or Airman), 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"

"Its 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 sisters and brothers
who stand at the front against any and all,
to insure 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.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Very nice! A good and humbling reminder. (NT)
Dec 13, 2003 2:56PM PST

.

- Collapse -
(NT) Thank you, Ian. Guardian Angels take many forms.
Dec 13, 2003 5:46PM PST

..

- Collapse -
Too true. Query: whatcha doing awake so late last night??.
Dec 13, 2003 6:09PM PST

.

- Collapse -
Re:Too true. Query: whatcha doing awake so late last night??.
Dec 13, 2003 7:32PM PST

Hi Ian,

Some nights I sleep better than others. Often I can nap again for an hour or so. This morning I woke at 2:30, and no nap. I've become upset about data miners compromising my privacy.

Right now it's 6:30am, and I'll be getting ready for 7:30 Mass now. A little coffee seems to do wonders. Just hope I don't fall asleep during the sermon.

Happy
Paula

- Collapse -
Re: Just hope I don't fall asleep during the sermon.
Dec 13, 2003 7:36PM PST

and in those days the air was warm, the windows were closed, the eyelids were heavy, and the ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ's were abounding....

Happy)

- Collapse -
LOL! But I didn't... and it's not 'those days' by a long shot!...
Dec 13, 2003 9:34PM PST

... the weather helped keep me awake. It's 12 degrees F. outside (-10C -bites the nose a bit), and 1/4 mile walk to the church which was more abounding in coughs and sneezes.

Happy

- Collapse -
Re: Thanks Ian, excellent poem. (nt)
Dec 13, 2003 10:09PM PST

.