'Twas 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 to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see. 
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand. 
And on the wall hung pictures of a far-distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
A sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them; I had to see more.
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor of his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene.
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.

Soon around the nation the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
Because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice.
I fight for freedom.  I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep.
I couldn't control it; I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And covered this Marine from his toes to his head.

Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold
With an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half-asleep he rolled over and in a voice clean and pure,
Said, "Carry on Santa.  It's Christmas Day.  All secure."

One look at my watch and I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas my friend.  Semper Fi and good night.