For Veterans on Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas
Bombs fell everywhere
The horrors and carnage
So very few shared

Our country was snuggled
Asleep in their beds
While visions of luxuries
Danced through their heads

Soundly they slept
While the sheep dogs fought on
Unaware of the danger
That lurked everywhere

Troops who had vowed
To keep us all safe
Ran into harms way
At a lightening fast pace

It wasn’t for money
It wasn’t for fame
It wasn’t for reasons
That some would claim

They were not blood thirsty
Corrupt or unkind
They simply understood
The enemies’ mind

On foreign shores
In the middle of the night
One moment starry skies
The next artillery’s light

They fought for each other
freedoms sweet call
protecting liberty’s honor
a beacon to all

the hope was to keep
danger far from our shores
friends and family kept safely
whether in or outdoors

America the beautiful
Celebrates on Christmas day
With many less problems
Due to those in harm’s way

May God protect and spare them
Shield them with his arms
Bless their stress-filled dreams
Heal their broken parts

Replace the terror dreams
With visions of better times
Honor every second spent
As living sacrifices

We wish you Merry Christmas
May all your dreams come true
With families filled with love
Waiting anxiously for you

Thank you for your service
And when your time is through
Remember that you’re loved
By many you never knew

____________________________

This first appeared in The Havok Journal on December 25, 2023.

For 43 years, Dennis and Diana Nickell shared their lives, passion, and hearts. Dennis, a Vietnam Combat Veteran who dealt daily with the aftermath of his 14 months in-country, spent his later years reaching out to Veterans, their loved ones and tried to help share why you should never give up. Sept, 12th, 2021 Dennis joined his brothers in arms in heaven, who never had the chance to have the life he fought for daily, and his wife Diana still carries on the mission of educating, enlightening, and encouraging those who have paid such a heavy price for freedom. 

Dedicated to ALL, first responders, and heroes, Diana has found peace in the wealth of her family and her faith. The YouTube series Surviving Vietnam can be accessed freely at https://www.survivevietnam.com/

“Quiet Place” first appeared in Breaking Chains, written by Dennis Nickell.

All rights are reserved, for created content shared about their amazing journey, including original poetry by Diana. Feel free to contact Diana at dnickell1955@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.