A NEW CHRISTMAS CAROL
An homage to our heroes
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all seemed okay.
Many creatures were stirring and most in dismay.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
But one space left open, for he was not there.
The children were restless as they lay in their beds.
All were reviewing sad dreams in their heads.
Mom in her PJs, alone in her room,
Not knowing the future, seemed covered with gloom.
When out on the lawn there arose such a noise,
Kids leaped to their feet, let loose of their poise.
Away to the window, peered through the closed blinds,
Pulled down the string, what was blowing their minds?
The light from the street shown dimly at first,
Gave glow to the objects, and fearing the worst.
When what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But a host of all peoples, and sleds pulled by deer.
With a ton of strong voices, they all sang in cheer,
She knew in a moment she had nothing to fear.
Mom knew in a flash that they came from all parts,
From T2T warriors, to firemen, nurses, and cops.
More swift than a race car, all declared with no doubt,
They belted and shouted, these names they called out.
Now Facts, now Truth, now Goodness, now Reason,
On Liberty, on Hope, on Justice, on Freedom.
To the top of the porch, to the top of the roof,
Now hear us all people, you need no more proof.
From voices now past, to echos still heard,
We glean from our past, moving forward we’ve learned.
Be brave and courageous, be strong and be proud.
We’ve come bearing gifts, so said all in the crowd.
And then in a twinkling, she threw open the door,
And wave upon wave, they placed gifts on her floor.
Each guest was arrayed in colors so bold,
Most from each service, or so she was told.
The gifts were so splendid, each serving a need,
Not one was more special, each useful indeed.
We know of your sadness and grievous loss,
But know we are with you no matter the cost.
Dressed in each service, some blue and some white,
With caps and ribbons, and medals quite bright.
They each told their story, their fight and their might.
No message was given considered quite trite.
All who had come offered words and good cheer.
She felt such great comfort, she had nothing to fear.
One special soldier she knew by his name,
Brought forward a sock, she then knew why he came.
A brother in arms, a friend to the end,
He brought forth the gift, a heart needs to mend.
To the mantle he marched, with purpose so clear,
The lost soldier’s sock was hung in the hole left there.
Then stepping back slowly, he saluted with honor,
Showing dignity and pride, his eyes starring yonder.
As slowly brought up, his arm to salute,
Moved down just as slowly, the point was not moot.
Tears flowed down his cheeks as he swung back around,
Moving again forward, his eyes had now found.
Mom and her children now hugging together,
Moving now forward, said he’d remember forever.
He told of their father, a husband beloved,
His unswerving duty to the country and family he loved.
He spoke of their father’s most fervent belief,
If the worst were to happen, to not live in grief.
He spoke his desire that they would move on,
Buoyed by the thought that he’s really not gone.
He knelt on one knee, and spoke from his heart,
Your father and husband will never depart.
Then touching each of their hearts with his hand,
He said he is with you, viewing you from a heavenly land.
He lives in your memory, your thoughts, your prayers.
He’ll always look down, ’cause you know that he cares.
So the stocking, said he, is hung every year,
To remember his love is always so near.
We’ve many more homes to visit this night.
Others are hurting, take to them Christmas bright.
As they all moved away from the home that fine night,
A new joy was found in a family all right.
A Father’s and Husband’s voice could be heard,
In each of their hearts where it now firmly stood.
Christmas is not just for joy and good cheer,
But also a time to remember each year,
That loved ones now parted, no longer to see,
Are still with us ever, and so shall it be.
Author, OneShadowWarrior
From Our House to Yours,
MERRY CHRISTMAS