T'was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone
in a one-bedroomed house made of plaster and stone
I had come down the chimney with presents to give
and 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 filled with sand
on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands
with medals and badges, awards of all kinds
a sober thought came through my mind

for this house was different, it was dark and dreary
I'd found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly
the soldier lay sleeping silent alone
curled up on the floor in this one-bedroomed home

his face was so gentle, the room in such disorder
not how I pictured a lone British soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read
curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realised the families that I'd seen this night
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight
soon around the world the children would play
and grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day

They all enjoy freedom each month of the year
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here
I couldn't help wonder how many more were 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 soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep
I kept watch for hours so silent and still
and we both sat and shivered from the cold nights chill
I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night
this guardian of honour so willing to fight

Then the soldier 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'

This poem was written by a peace keeping soldier stationed overseas. The following is his request:

Please would you do me the kind favour of sending this to as many people as you can. Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our British service men and women for our being able to celebrate thest festivities.

please dont mess this up and send it to as many people as you can this christmas. If this is his only christmas wish then i want to do what i can to grant it!!! Don't you?!?!?