A “COMMON SENSE” CHRISTMAS POEM !!!!!
Hey folks, all who read and follow this blog, you know that I served and maybe that explains why my patriotism is so strong. As mentioned previously, I get a “tear in my eye” when “OLD GLORY” marches past in a parade or when the “National Anthem” is played. Some, I know, call me foolish; but, not out loud in public as I would most likely “go off on them like a rocket”. After you have served this great nation, there is just this feeling of pride that wells up deep down inside that really can’t be put into words. It is very similar to the feeling of pride that jumps forth with being a “native son of the great state of TEXAS”. People have asked me where that comes from and I have never been able to explain it, other than to tell them, “it is what it is”. Please do not confuse this with the stupid statement made by President Clinton during questioning of the mess he got HIMSELF into of “it is according to what the definition of the word is, is”. Enough of foolishness about politics as I want this to be about the “love and respect” that is deserved by those who choose and chose to serve and protect us. They are the members of all of our “ARMED SERVICES”. Without their dedication to their duty, we, “the people,” would not enjoy all the freedoms this county offers. Folks, these freedoms are not enjoyed in other countries nor or the opportunities to prosper. Again, let me scream from the top of every mountain that this freedom is not free as it has been paid for in “BLOOD”. Stand and thank all that serve now and have served in the past for your freedom. Please stop this entitlement thought and get back to understanding where and why “we are a free people”.
I think this “Christmas Poem” says it better than anything I could put down on paper; so, I hope you enjoy and that it stirs up your emotions and makes you stop and “THANK GOD” for all the great men and women who allow us this thing called “FREEDOM”. After all, it only makes “COMMON SENSE” to thank those who serve and the “ONE” who stands with them on every “post”.
A Different Christmas Poem – Author Unknown
> 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 slumbered I, 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 Trooper, 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, “It’s 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 in Europe on a day in December,”
> Then he said,
> “That’s a Christmas ‘Gram always remembers.”
> 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 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.”
This is shorter than most posts on this blog, but is no less important. Please take the time to thank each and every “soldier” you happen to see during this time of year; because, it is because of them that we can celebrate the birth of our “LORD and SAVIOR”. Remember, that every time a bell rings an “ANGEL” gets its wings. So, let the bell ring all over this great country of ours. “GOD BLESS AMERICA” the country I love and “forever may she stand”.
My Daddy's Common Sense 