Richard Primmer

NIGHT BEFORE XMAS IN AFGHANISTAN

Twas the night before Christmas, unlike Christmas of yore,
In a foreign land, unlike the Christmas before.
Staring into the night at movements abound,
No carollers carolling or children around.
Not even a mouse… not even a sound.

Doesn’t feel like Christmas, no fresh fallen snow,
No chill in the air, not even cheeks are a glow.
No gumdrops, sugar balls nor dinner in the stove
No Toasts or family; from a distance they drove.
Just danger and dust is all a soldier will know.

His family this year carries guns around
Explosion of ordinance is a familiar sound
He lives among walls with death lurking by
His family does miss him but he says “Not to cry”
And “he’s doing his duty” when people ask him why

So hold up a holiday drink and toast those who defend
Families of home want the war to end
Know that the sons and daughters are doing their part
A soldier goes to war, a war they didn’t start.

But cheerful and happiness are abound back at home
A soldier does miss it but he is not alone.
His comrades all do, they all miss their families a dear
Sleep tight in your safety. A soldier watches over here.

So we take our post in Afghanistan every day,
Hoping for peace, the world does pray.
Joy to the world would be a wonderful sight
Merry Christmas to all, but it’s the watch tower tonight.