"Merry Christmas, My friend"

"Merry Christmas, My friend"
by LCpl James M Schmidt, USMC, 1986

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.

As 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 a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to 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 he 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 picture 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 I started to cry.

He must have awoken, 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 into 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 night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and 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 a 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 in a voice 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 goodnight.

Eternal Snow

How long has it been since I fell in love with you?
My feelings only increase
Will you notice them?
Even though I've never once put them into words?

Like the snow, they just
Quietly keep accumulating.

Hold me tight- if this is how it feels
I didn't want to know
What it was like to be in love with someone
I love you- my tears won't stop
And so I wish
That I had never met you.

How long will I be thinking of you?
My sighs fogged up the window glass.

Can a candle flame
Still melt my trembling heart?

Hold me tight, tight enough to break me
So that even in an icy wind or a blizzard
I won't feel cold
I miss you- every time I think of you
Tonight, too, I hold
This half-finished muffler, all alone.

If there was an eternally falling snow
Could it hide my feelings for you?

Hold me tight- if this is how it feels
I didn't want to know
What it was like to be in love with someone
I love you- the feeling wells up in my chest
I want to shout to the wintery sky
"I want to see you right now"

The Big Brother poem

Watching this sunset through these bars
Thinking of the part, how it seems so far.
Remembering some memories of Jerry, my Big Brother
I feel blessed knowing we share the same mother.
Taking me to Dodger games when I was just a kid
Oh how I hold him up so high, he even bought me my first mitt.
Going to Six Flags instead of going to school,
Getting on Goliath with him, how I felt so cool.
My reason to go to Los Angeles is just for him to be in my sight.
If he was in front of me now, I'd hug him with all my might.
Cheering me up when no one else did,
Beating my ass when I'd have a fit.
Now that I'm in prison, I feel alone,
Wishing I could call him just to hear "Hello!"
For he can not be replaced and I'll never ask for another
Thank you God, because I love my Big Brother

D-Day, 1944

Today marks a special day in world history. The 66th anniversary of D-Day. Let's honor those brave soldiers. We will never forget.

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-rnan. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!

I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Who's the better center fielder?

There was a recent poll created on the Los Angeles Times Sports Blog regarding who is the better Center Fielder between the Los Angeles Angels' Torii Hunter and the Los Angeles Dodgers' Matt Kemp.

The poll itself describes it as a position by position comparison, which is fine, except, a lot of people are saying how it's not even a comparison, that Hunter is by far better. The people saying that are Angels fans.

Both players are about as equal as you can get as far as ability. The only difference is Hunter is older and more experienced than Kemp is. However, I don't think these fans are judging by player ability, and this is what bothers me. I think they are just loyal to their team and saying that Hunter is simply better because he's an Angel.

Others have also said that Hunter is better because he plays in a harder league. Who's to really say that any league is harder than the other, though? Of course, the National League and American League both have their (obvious) differences, but both center fielders essentially play their positions the same. Stand in the outfield, batter hits the ball in the air, catch the ball.

Remember, the poll doesn't consider leagues, divisions, managers, mascot, or anything else. Position by position. A player's ability to hit, run, and catch.

One person said that Hunter makes dive attempts to catch the ball. My question to them, "Have you seen any Dodger games? Kemp made many dive attempts in 2009 as well."

Their response... "LOL. Why would I watch Dodger games?"

Exactly my point. You really can't "judge" which person is better when you haven't seen the other player perform.

When I told them what their stats for last year were, they mentioned how Hunter missed several games due to injury. Ok... fine.

What about 2008?

Matt Kemp 2008: 155 Games, .290 AVG, 18 HR, 76 RBI, 35 SB
In 2009, he won his first Gold Glove Award the first year he started full time as a center fielder on Opening Day.

Torii Hunter 2008: 146 Games, .278 AVG, 21 HR, 78 RBI, 19 SB.
He won the his first Gold Glove Award in 2001, 2 years after he became a regular starter for the Minnesota Twins.

My point is this; Don't be afraid to admit when another player is just as good, if not, better, than your favorite team's player simply because he's not on your team. If you're a fan of the Angels, or any other baseball team, for that matter, then you have to be a BASEBALL fan.

I will tell you this though... neither man is afraid to throw down with an opponent to defend themselves and/or their teammates.

Mud!