| This is an archived forum, so it is here for read-only purposes only. We are not accepting new members and members cannot post any longer. Members can, however, access their old private messages. Strawberry Fields was open from 2006 until 2011. There is a Strawberry Fields Beatles Forum on Facebook. If you are registered with Facebook, join us at the group there! |
| A Different Christmas Poem | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 29 2007, 10:01 PM (362 Views) | |
| FamousGroupie | Nov 29 2007, 10:01 PM Post #1 |
![]()
Obsessive Saddo Fangirl
|
I'm not trying to be political or inflammatory by posting this. I just thought it was beautiful The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. "What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!" For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.. To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at Pearl on a day in December," Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas Gram always remembers. My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ', And now it is my turn and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile." Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag. I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.. Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall." "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right." "But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son." Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us." |
| I don't believe in Bondi. I don't believe in rugby league. I believe in Yoko, John Lennon, the Lost Weekend and me. | |
![]() |
|
| Rose | Nov 29 2007, 10:06 PM Post #2 |
![]()
Well, here's another clue for you all, the Walrus was Paul...
|
That gave me the shivers and made me cry. It is beautiful. Thanks for sharing, Clare. |
![]() "I'm in awe of McCartney. He's about the only one that I am in awe of. He can do it all. And he's never let up... He's just so damn effortless." ~ Bob Dylan | |
![]() |
|
| SherryO | Nov 29 2007, 10:17 PM Post #3 |
|
Made me cry, too. My hubby is ex-military, & I feel for those who are away, or are missing loved ones this holiday. |
![]() |
|
| Dorfliedot | Nov 29 2007, 10:21 PM Post #4 |
![]()
Beatlelicious
|
I hate war...
|
![]() Add Glitter to your Photos | |
![]() |
|
| Deleted User | Nov 29 2007, 10:59 PM Post #5 |
|
Deleted User
|
They're braver and bolder than I. |
|
|
| Deleted User | Nov 29 2007, 11:25 PM Post #6 |
|
Deleted User
|
That was truly poetic! Thank you for sharing that with us!
|
|
|
| bluemeanie | Nov 29 2007, 11:29 PM Post #7 |
|
is now a happily married woman x
|
beautiful that Clare
|
|
Jayne x is loving life and is so happy xxx | |
![]() |
|
| Adilah | Dec 1 2007, 06:30 AM Post #8 |
|
To all the American & British soldiers of Operation Something Desert: Thank you and Merry Christmas. |
| "We call 10 American deaths a catastrophe. One hundred European deaths are a tragedy. One thousand Asian deaths are a shame. And 10,000 African deaths we call a Monday." - Lissa (1981-2007) السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته | |
![]() |
|
| Aimee Wilbury | Dec 1 2007, 12:40 PM Post #9 |
|
STOP CHANGING THIS ADMINS
|
http://www.trurodaily.com/index.cfm?sid=84910&sc=68 |
![]() |
|
| Bill | Dec 12 2007, 05:39 AM Post #10 |
|
This is the most important line. Remember if you want to support the troops, then do something that actually does support them. |
| Put a puppet on it. | |
![]() |
|
| Samwise | Dec 12 2007, 06:26 AM Post #11 |
![]()
|
Thanks for that, Clare. The man who would sacrifice his own life for the lives of others - friends, family, strangers he has never met and may never meet - is a man indeed. |
![]() My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair! | |
![]() |
|
| iscreamer1 | Dec 12 2007, 03:00 PM Post #12 |
![]()
Baking Fairy Cakes
|
Clare that was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. Puts everything into a different light. Our soldiers deserve more respect. |
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people - Victor Borge | |
![]() |
|
| ogoble | Dec 27 2007, 09:06 PM Post #13 |
![]()
|
Jesus is the Reason for the Season Another Different Poem (and no one is forcing it down anyone's throat) Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master. Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer. Had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. |
Beatles/Paul McCartney & Wings Fan
| |
![]() |
|
| « Previous Topic · Things We Said Today · Next Topic » |










I hate war...





2:17 PM Jul 11