A Marine’s Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
And had to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, No Presents, Not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle, just boots full of sand.
On the wall hung pictures, of a distant land.
With Medals and Badges, Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought, came to mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a Marine, Once I could see clearly.
The Marine lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor, In his one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured, A United States Marine.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho, The floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these Marines, Who where willing to fight.
Soon around the world, children would play,
And grownups would celebrate, a bright Christmas day.
They enjoyed Freedom, each month of the year,
Because of these Marines, like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder, how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve, In a land Far from home.
The very thought, brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened, and 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.”
The Marine rolled over, and soon drifted to sleep.
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, So silent and still
And we both shivered from the cold night’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night,
This Guardian of Honor, so willing to fight.
Then the Marine rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, “Carry on Santa. It’s Christmas Day, All is Secure.”
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas my friend, And to all a good night.
There is no credit given to the writer of this Poem. Very well written other than two lines that I feel could have been omitted or changed. With Medals, Badges Awards of all Kinds. (omit) and The soldier awakened. (Change to Marine) This poem would be perfect other wise. Makes me think it must have been a Marine that wrote it cause he didn’t take credit for it, but then he’d known not to put Soldier in. Anyways, I still like the Poem. Murray1371. Something good Harry.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! HO, HO,HO. Harry 1371
very well done Semper Fi and carry on marines where ever you are
As has been said before, “Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animals.”
herd lol
I love this poem even with all the lines. It takes me down memory lane. I wouldn’t trade one day from when I wore those blues.
To all you Marines far from home continue to fight we are with you all MERRY CHRISTMAS SEMPER FI for always Michael 396
Merry Christmas to all that served,past and present.Have a safe and healthy new year.L
I remember Christmas ’70 in the Que Sons. It made me feel a little bit good in a sometimes not feel good place. I would good it all over again. I miss my guys!
Well done. Merry Christmas to all.
Semper Fi
Sgt.Richard Strniste 0331
1952 to 1958
Merry Christmas Marines, I remember the 1st Christmas on Camp Forster, Okinawa in 03, my 1st Christmas with my new family, wouldn’t trade one moment.
Semper Fi Marines
Lcpl Charles T. “JERSEY” Schaadt
To all that stand a post or watch. Thank You, Semper Fi.
Merry Christmas to all the Marines and I remember the Christmas in 1969 in Nam. To all my friends in “C” Company 1371. Same to the rest that won’t be home this year.
What Battalion were you with? Harry 1371
My question too. Harry, I was with C company 3rd Eng. Murray 1371
” Freedom isn’t Free ” does not ring hollow to those who defend it. At 70 years old I would still do it again. 3/5 1stMarDiv. RVN 69-70 Semper Fi ! God Bless ALL our service members both at home and deployed to hostile lands.
Jingle bells, Mortar shells
VC in the grass
Take your Merry Christmas
And shove it up your …..
…In the meadow we would lose a new man
Someone said his name was Private Brown
We just kept on humping
Walking in the freaking Viet Nam
Later on we’ll perspire
When we come under fire
We’ll face unafraid
The plans that we made
Walking in the freaking Viet Nam…
Great Christmas poem, Semper Fi…..
Merry Christmas to all you Jarheads in harms way and all you Leathernecks keeping the Corps the Corps. SSgtBob53-57
I believe Murray was correct in that it was wrote by a Marine, I think it was an officer because of the reference to the medals, badges and awards. Reminds me of the numerous CO’s I served under, and their love me walls.
I arrived in Da Nang just before Christmas.I remember the Christmas tree in the mess hall. It was like the Charlie Brown tree. The next day it was off to Chu Lai and VMFA542. Merry Christmas to all Marines Past and present!