navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #4 » A Christ-less Christmas Eve
Open Poetry #4
Post A Reply Post New Topic A Christ-less Christmas Eve Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
John Yaws
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860
Texas

0 posted 1999-12-24 03:59 PM


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).]

© Copyright 1999 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved
startin_fresh
Member
since 1999-08-13
Posts 137
US
1 posted 1999-12-24 04:34 PM


Such a powerful message and also a reminder that there are so many that are away defending their country.
Marilyn
Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621
Ontario, Canada
2 posted 1999-12-24 09:35 PM


I have goose pimples from reading this. Great Work GS and unfortunately very true.
Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
3 posted 1999-12-24 09:55 PM


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.*~
noles1@totcon.com



WhtDove
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245
Illinois
4 posted 1999-12-25 01:02 AM


Very profound words here GS!  Something to make us all stop and think!

 <*\\\><
Jesus is the reason for the season
Keep Christ in CHRISTmas


Elizabeth
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871
Minnesota
5 posted 1999-12-25 06:52 PM


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



Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

6 posted 1999-12-25 08:44 PM


Sad beyond words. Very powerful.

 Denise



Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #4 » A Christ-less Christmas Eve

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary