Roberta Pollerana

WITH FIDELITY I TREAD

‘Twas a few weeks before Christmas, when all thro’ the land
We prayed that not a child go hungry as we serve in the sand
The emails and care packages sent for support
With hopes and prayers to safely reach war ports

The politicians rumbled and grumbled some lied all well fed
While visions of democracy and peace filled our heads
As the malls gouged some whispered Merry Christmas
Shoppers charged ACLU surged protesters sang dogmas

Afghanistan and Iraq our brave weld the sword of truth for our land
God bless our troops behold it’s for liberty and justice we stand
Away with the words of folly, not in war can we be jolly
It’s our families that live and die, remind little Molly

The winter has came again with 160,000 serving
Set an extra place at your table as you enjoy your holiday feast
Set it as a reminder for those grieving and feel lonely with no peace
As you share holiday cheer remember our lost forever to us dear

With a little more prayer and a lot more faith
Maybe there go I… By the grace of God
Maybe the world will understand with fidelity I tread foreign sod
Everyday I’m proud to serve I’ll give my life to do my job

Now… Pray for my family! Now… Pray for world leaders!
Back to Baghdad I go… Many roads lined with IED’s
Maybe I’ll make it home to where free men roam
Maybe not… Just know it’s for your freedom I’ve fought

I’ve done my job and done it well
I’ve helped to build I’ve loved I’ve sent my enemy to hell
I’ve done my country proud buried brothers in tear soaked shrouds
Decorate your tree I’ll be the soldier praying to Jesus on my knees

Sing Christmas songs to your children tell them lullabies
Remember me as I soar though the bomb ridden desert sky
As a sand fly bites again my boots are dusty and the MREs stink
Say another prayer for us to heal and think before you speak

Well dressed in camouflage no Santa suits for us
We won’t be home to build our children bikes no hugs to share
We’ll be shooting and engaging in combat ‘tis warfare
Think of us as you hang stockings with your loved ones near

My eyes filled with sand and blood have lost their twinkle
I’ve almost forgot it’s time to be merry only tears here sprinkle
Still I’m reminded a Savior was born unto us
Tell Mama I remember that and not to fuss

Another ebullient election comes to tell of the sum
Total and tally votes our pledge of democracy warriors drum
Leaders oil pledged on, America plead mercy from God we so yearn
For peace… For hatred to cease, how long until we learn

Jesus holy Son born in a manger we say Merry Christmas
For all He died… For all, He rose
As you count your blessing and share Yule tides
We’re off again going in another up-armored humvee ride

We follow orders and serve as an anodyne
In a war torn country we see subterfuge and are not blind
We’re doing our best making a difference in time
Read between the rhythms and rhyme of my lines

Support our troops… Pray for every nation one and all
Ask God to come back to America as you deck the hall
Then maybe if I come back the VA won’t be so stacked
Remember to visit the vets in hospitals healing on a rack

Just keep sending the billets-doux
That way I know your still thinking of me
Give my love to all and wish them a Merry Christmas
Tuck them in tight until I come home I pray you a good-night

Author’s Note: My rendition of ‘The Night Before Christmas’