A Soldier’s Silent Night
*Originally written by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987 under the title “Merry Christmas, My Friend.”
(Dedicated to all Central Wisconsin soldiers and their families)
T’was 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 just had to see in this home who did live
I looked all about- a strange sight I did see
No tinsel, no presents- not even a tree
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands
With medals and badges- award of all kinds
A sober thought came to my mind
For this house was different- it was dark and dreary
I found the home of a soldier, this I could see clearly
The soldier lay sleeping- slient, alone
Curled up on the floor of this one bedroom home
The face was so gentle- the room in such disorder
Now how I pictured a United States soldier
Was the the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw on this night
Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight
Soon round the world, the children would play
And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day
They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year
Because of the soldiers- like the one lying here
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home
The very thought brought a tear to my eye
And I dropped to my knees and I started to cry
The soldier awakened, and I heard a rough voice;
“Don’t cry, Santa, 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
I couldn’t help it- I continued to weep
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
And we both shivered from the night’s cold chill
I didn’t want to leave 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, and to all a good night.”