Once Upon a Christmas Eve So Weary
by Howard Winters
Like others I've known in the past
Once again I'm all alone
And the hour of midnight has just passed
Hell has been reserved for sinners
And I may just wind up there too
But years of pain cannot be worse
Than the years of pain life's put me through
Christmas Day is once again upon me
All around in the stillness I hear
Memories of nights spent in Okinawa
Atlanta, San Francisco
Chicago, Manila, and others as well
Where I thought my efforts counted
Tho I still remained alone
I'm a child born of unknown lineage
Actual birth date still unknown
Now I find that January 24th
Was my birthday if the date of my birth is known
Searching always for some meaning
Trying to figure where I fitted in
Long years now have all passed me
And my pain frightens those I've let inside
Still the deals I've made with my God
Hold me fast and I will not fail
Though this body soon may weaken
'Tis my will that I shall prevail
God reached down years ago and saved me
From a descent straight into hell
Drew His loving arms around me
Accepted my plea, which He granted
And for seventy two years, I've known Him well
Still another Christmas day is coming
And I stand watch as Christmas day draws ever near
Fully aware that for the Grace of God
I myself would not be here
Lonely nights in long ago Decembers
Men like me have lived through them far from home
With the line drawn in the sand before me
Tho age and time both have slowed me
With others, again we'll stand the Christmas watch alone
volume 11(6)
This poem is copyright © 2006,
Howard Winters, all rights reserved.
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