Monday Author/Poet: Susanne Skinner

Two weeks before Christmas, the year almost gone
No snow in the forecast, not a flake on the lawn
The house was asleep, not a peep did I hear
As I sat by the fire with a cup of good cheer

The wrapping was done and the baking was, too
Not a thing left undone that I needed to do
My house was in order, decorations in place
There was peace all around me, a smile on my face

I did point, click and pay and got all kinds of deals
And laughed when I thought of my Black Friday steals
My cards were all written with a letter inside
I sat down at last, looked around me and sighed.

The fire was warm and the lights twinkled bright
I was safe in my home on this cold winter night
My feet in warm slippers, a dog by my side
The presents all wrapped with bows neatly tied

I have cookies and milk to set next to the tree
It’s a cherished tradition in our family
For Santa and Rudolph and all the reindeer
Still stop at our house on that day of the year

There is nothing we need, in all things we are blessed
Yet I felt something missing, my mind couldn’t rest
I thought of our soldiers so far from their homes
Then of the names carved on rows of white stones

I jumped on a plane to Washington D.C.
To lay wreaths on their graves in our Cemetery
I saw the white headstones in row after row
And among them a man I was privileged to know

I knelt by the fallen so proud and so brave
And placed a fresh wreath upon each one’s grave
My eyes filled with tears and my heart filled with pride
For the soldiers who rested in peace side by side

Their life for their country—the highest price paid
As I stood by the graves where each of them laid
I gave thanks for their service and spoke each one’s name
And knew in my heart I was glad that I came

For our freedom is won by brave women and men
Who put life on the line and would do it again
To keep us from hatred, oppression and war
They are guardians who stand at America’s door

I wish you holidays spent with those you hold dear
A new year blessed with good health and cheer
May your troubles be few, your hopes still burn bright
Protected by soldiers keeping watch through the night.

© Susanne M. Skinner