'Twas the Night Before Christmas (my version)

by John Spencer
(Coleman Barracks, Mannheim Germany)

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
(My version...)

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the world,
Stood the guardians of Freedom, some young and some old.

Their rifles were spotless and zeroed with care,
Looking for the danger they know will be there.

They fear for their children at home in their beds,
Yearning for the touch of a kiss on their heads.

And there I was, prepared for the fight,
Wondering when the evil of war would ignite.

When out of the dust there arose such a clatter,
I swiveled around to see what was the matter.

Outside the window I saw a huge flash,
The air tasted rancid, of fuel and of trash.

The sound of my comrades cries in the air,
Sent chills down my spine, to cold to bare.

When, what to my angered eyes should appear,
But a valiant young Soldier, showing no fear!

With bullets whizzing over his head,
I knew in a moment the bad guys were dead.

Out of the smoke, more Soldiers they came,
Young warriors who knew that this was no game.

We deftly maneuvered, aiming to kill,
Secretly saddened by the blood that we spill.

After the battle, on edge and so tired,
We relive the moments each bullet was fired.

Back at the FOB, I lay down and stare,
Thinking of all of the reasons I’m there.

Wiping my face with my own bloodied glove,
I think of my family and all of their love.

I think of their faces with a tear in my eye,
Glad that today was not my turn to die.

I think of America, and all of her beauty,
Honored to serve her, it's not just my duty.

As I lay in my bed thinking of Christmas,
I smile from the thought of the joy that it brings us.

I know you can't hear me, but I'm just out of sight,

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."



SSG John Spencer
26 November, 2010