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

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

I'd heard stories about them and 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 in his one bedroom home.

He seemed do 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 on his poncho, a floor for his bed?

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

Soon round the nation, the children would play
And grown ups would celebrate, on this bright Christmas day.
They enjoyed freedom, each week and all year
Because of Marines, like this one here.

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

He must have awakened, for I heard a rough voice
"Santa don't cry, for this 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, and drifted off to sleep
I couldn't control it and continued to weep
I watched him for hours, so silent and still
And 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 Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblazoned so bold.

And though it barely fit me, my chest swelled with pride
And for this one shining moment, I was a Marine 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 said so clean and pure
"Carry on Santa, it's Christmas and all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and good night!