A time for families and peace.

Byline: Denis Kilcommons

A READER has sent me a different version of that wellknown festive poem The Night Before Christmas. This is supposed to have been written by "a peacekeeping soldier stationed overseas".

Here is a taste of the poem to perhaps cause reflection at a time of the year that is for families, peace and understanding: Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone.

In a one-bedroomed 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 far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds A sobering thought came into my mind This house was different, so dark and so dreary I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The young man lay sleeping, silent alone Curled up on the floor in this one-bedroomed home The face was so gentle, the room in disorder Not how I pictured a lone British soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?

Curled up in a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realised the families that I saw this night Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world the children would play And grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day They all enjoy freedom, each month of the year Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.