Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Poem of the Month--A Soldier's Christmas

Perhaps you've read the poem "A Soldier's Christmas" in a forwarded email. It's been circulating on the internet since 2000 but I just received it (thanks, Cheryl) and was moved to tears.

Whatever we believe about war, I think we can all agree with the final two stanzas--standing watch is a duty we all share and letting every person know they matter is important.

Here's a link to the full poem that also gives credit to the author, Michael Marks. The final two stanzas are below.

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."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hoorah for Cheryl for passing on such a wonderful poem. My family sends a Christmas box to one soldier each Christmas and although I don't know that soldier I do know they appreciate it. Merry Christmas to all of the soldiers and their families!
Holly