A Soldier's Silent Night

As spoken by Ted Berndt

 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 dwelling did live.

I looked all around, a strange sight to see -
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stockings on the mantle, just boots filled with sand.

On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands,
medals and badges, awards of every kind.

A sobering thought came alive in my mind -
this house was different. It was dark, it was dreary.

I had found the home of a soldier. I could see that most clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping - silent, alone,
curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

His face was so gentle, the room in such disorder.
Not at all how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read,
curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

Then I realized the other families that I saw this night
owe their lives to soldiers who are willing to fight.

In the morning, around the world, children would play,
grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoy freedom each month of the year
because of soldiers like the one lying here.

I couldn't help but wonder how many lay alone
on this cold Christmas Eve in lands far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard his 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,
but I couldn't control it and I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
as both of us shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave him on that cold, dark night -
this guardian of honor, 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. May God bless you this night."