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The Night embers glowed as, in the silence of night, I gazed the room 'round and cherished the sight. My dear wife was sleeping, her head on my chest, Whilst my daughter beside me, seemed angelic at rest. Outside, the snow fell softly, a whole blanket of white, Like a beautiful card, a winter's delight. The lights spread o'er the tree as to make-believe; The magic and mystery of an old Christmas Eve. My eyelids fell slowly, my breathing was deep, With their love and safekeeping I could easily sleep. Content with all things, or so it would seem, I gently slumbered then slipped into a dream, When suddenly a sound, increaslngly clear, Opened my eyes, seemed distant, yet near. Was this real or imagined? I didn't really know. Were those someone's footsteps squeaking in snow? My heartbeat quickened, still, without much fear, I crept to the door to see what I hear. When I beheld standing in the shadow of night, A tall, lone figure; an imposing sight. 'Twas a Canadian soldier, some twenty years old, A mother's beloved son, weary, tired and cold. He came to attention, and with the hint of a smile, Seemed glad of the instrusion, if just for a while. I thought: 'Why is he here?', and, not sure what to say, Said: 'Please, come in, and have a warm stay.' He lowered his pack, brushed the snow from his sleeve, 'Shouldn't you be at home on this Christmas Eve?' His knowing eyes glanced at the sparkling tree lights, Then stepped toward the hearth; it's flames shining bright. Before the lingering fire and flickering glow He sat, then said, 'Thank you...you know... It's our Duty to be here, our Privilege, you see, To Wake as you sleep, to keep us all Free. To Stand to the Front, to Defend this Peace, To Keep us all safe from Darkness and Grief. To Give what I am able, for this and what's more: I have Chosen my place as my fathers have before. My Great-Grandfather was a Tommy of old, At the Somme and in Flanders, he proved daring and bold; His son, my Grandad, stormed the beaches of France, That this world, again, might have a new chance. My Dad sailed the seas on HMCS, 'midst wind and wave, he was the very best. It's my time to serve; to say now: Here I am. For our Sovereign & Country, our Home and our Land.' 'Though I've not seen my family, forever it seems, My wife sends me pictures...' I surely know what he means. Then, leaning over, he pulled from his kit, A red Maple Leaf...it was weathered a bit. 'We can live with the cold and being alone, Away from our loved ones, our friends and our homes. We can stand at our station through the dust and the heat, And sleep in a trench with little to eat. We can carry the Burden of meeting our End, Of killing the enemy; laying down for a Friend. We take up the quarrel with the relentless foe, To keep the Torch high for all to Hold. You can go back to sleep, put your mind at rest, We will not falter, we will stand the Test.' I asked if there was anything, at the least, I could do; A donation perhaps, a small gift or two. It seemed little, really, for all that he has done, And being long away from his wife and son. With a hint in his eyes of no regret, He asked only for this: That we Never Forget. Our Freedom, Peace, and Way of Life, We must Defend at Home as our Warriors in Strife. That when they return, whether Living or Dead, They willingly Served and, for us, have Bled. Their Sacrifice, undaunted, is a bond of Trust; Of Hope and Love for all of us. He quietly rose up and returned to his post, Surely knowing the Gift he had given his host; For in the place where he sat, it's colour now bright, Lay the little Maple Leaf, all aglow, this Christmas Night. by (Capt. the Rev.) G.E. Benton, formerly Chaplain, the Royal Regiment of Canada with thanks to 'A Soldiers' Christmas' a poem by Michael Marks 'Silent Night' by Percy Faith & His Orchestra Click here for a print of the Soldier by Sylvia Pecota PARENTS & CHILDREN: CLICK THIS STAMP TO SEND CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO OUR SAILORS, SOLDIERS & AIRMEN Want to help our wounded soldiers as they return home? Click here for the Wounded Warrior Programme. Operation Santa Claus/Père Noël Sends deployed Canadian Forces members a Christmas gift package filled with items donated by Canadian corporations. Packages also include letters and Christmas cards from school children and loved ones. These special packages bring a feeling of home to those serving in remote Canadian locations and overseas. If you are a company or corporation and wish to donate items to the Op SANTA programme, please CLICK HERE. Please remember the men & women of our Armed Forces serving away from their homes and families this Christmas and holiday season. HMCS Toronto, in the Arabian Sea (from a photo by MCpl Colin Kelley) |
| SILENT NIGHT: A POEM FOR CHRISTMAS |
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| Honour all Men. Love the Brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King. |
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