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Open Poetry #4
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A Christ-less Christmas Eve
| Open Poetry #4 |
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A Christ-less Christmas Eve |
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John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas 
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Somewhere in a foxhole- Within a frozen land. There knelt a freezing soldier His rifle close to hand. K-rations in a corner- Grenades, spare ammo, too Another human-wave attack- He figured they’d be through. By gosh! I think it’s Christmas- Up here on the Chosin- Billy would have known for sure If he hadn’t frozen. I guess the folks are nice and warm At home in Tennessee- Drinkin’ strong, hot eggnog And gathered round the tree. It seems a hundred years ago- It’s barely been a year... Since I sat in their circle, And drank my Christmas cheer. I guess Grandma will go to church To try and save my soul... Whiskey’s better far than prayers When you’re out here in the cold. What’s that? I hear a bugle! Oh, here they come again!... Full alert! They’re comin’! Let’s prove we’re fightin’ men! A few short hours later- I saw that same foxhole- A crumpled figure lay within- Half buried by the snow... A letter clutched within his hand, Received on Christmas Eve- The address showed that it had come From Dyersburg, Tennessee. A bullet stopped his youthful heart- Some present to receive And what a tragic way to end- A Christ-less Christmas Eve. [This message has been edited by Gunslinger (edited 12-24-1999).] |
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| © Copyright 1999 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved | |||
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startin_fresh Member
since 1999-08-13
Posts 137US |
Such a powerful message and also a reminder that there are so many that are away defending their country. |
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Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
I have goose pimples from reading this. Great Work GS and unfortunately very true. |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Wow ! Slinger, this is one powerful, heart-breaking piece of work. I can feel the cold and the lonliness. Sure makes me thankful for all those who serve in our Armed Forces. Thank you ... Love ~Marge~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ [email protected] |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Very profound words here GS! Something to make us all stop and think! <*\\\>< Jesus is the reason for the season Keep Christ in CHRISTmas |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
If ever there were a Christless Christmas Eve, this would be it.  Truly a heartbreaking reminder of the world today.Elizabeth Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail- And give her to the god of storms, The lightning and the gale! -Oliver Wendell Holmes |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Sad beyond words. Very powerful. Denise |
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