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 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 is secure. ” One look at my watch and I knew he was right Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight
