Christmas Far From Home

The tree is up and full of light, The mistletoe is hung, The calmness of a winter night As Christmas songs are sung. The presents wrapped in shining paper Tucked beneath the tree, But on this day, I’m miles away, These things I cannot see. The family’s all together As they gather for the feast, The long drive through the weather Has their appetites increased, An empty chair unnoticed Sits alone next to my dad, But though I roam, so far from home, I miss them all so bad. The smell of homemade pumpkin pie And eggnog spiked with rum, The cookies lay in vast array The kids leave not a crumb, They’ll talk about my travels In the tone of those deceased, I see their smiles, across the miles, Here in the Middle East. I push these thoughts away As I collect my gear and gun, This desert scene I will survey Beneath the scorching sun, This is just the life I’ve chosen It’s a life of high regard, But understand the heart’s demand, Why Christmas is so hard. (Dedicated to the nearly quarter million U.S. and allied troops who won't be making it home this year for Christmas)