‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give,
and to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
A sobering thought soon came through my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene.
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
Owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
Because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
He must have awaken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice.
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."
With that he rolled over, drifted off to sleep.
I couldn’t control it; I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the cold nights chill.
So I took off my jacket; the one made of red,
And I covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
With an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and a voice so clean and pure,
Said "Carry on Santa, It’s Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas, my friend, Semper Fi, and good night.
. 
At this time I had to back up and re-group. My mind was realing about how I was crashing such a great round on the last hole! All of a sudden Tin Cup popped into my mind and I decided "to heck with the score...I'll make it or run out of balls trying!" I dropped another, landed it on the green and two putted for a snow man