Marine Wife Night before Christmas

T'was the night before Christmas
My first one alone
Not a sound could be heard, not the slightest of tones
There were no stockings, not even a tree
Why should I decorate, if he couldn't see?

The creatures all nestled, snugly in beds
Dreams of their father, danced through their heads
I'd brushed out my hair, and also my teeth
Just getting settled for a lonely nights sleep
Then, loud on the roof, there arose a great boom
I sprang from the bed, and out of the room

I ran to the window, fear clutched my chest
What could it be that had disturbed my rest?
The moon on the breast of new-fallen snow
Gave lustre of midday, a marvelous glow
Then, in an instant, burst open my door
Out of sheer fear, my knees hit the floor

When I saw the man, so lively and quick
I knew who it was, the famous St. Nick
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself
A wink of his eye and twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread

He held out a hand, helped me up off the ground
Then, shaking his head, he looked all around
It was then that he realized exactly my plight
His twinkle turned sad as he thought of my fight

"As much as I wish, I can't give what you desire,
Is there anything else perhaps you admire?"
Then, in a breath, he began listing things,
from books, to shoes, to bright shiny rings.
I shook my head sadly and gave him a smile
I hadn't wanted anything like that in a while

"What then can I give you to make Christmas right?
Merely say the words and you'll get it tonight."
My smile broke out and tears welled in my eyes
I knew what I wanted, it was no surprise
"Keep him safe," my words, my desperate plea
My expression was begging the old man to see

He paused for a moment, looked at me, then the floor
I saw one tear fall, then two, and then more
"I've heard of marine wives, their loyalty true,
I never imagined I would meet one like you,
Your powerful love, your selfless request
I give you my word, I'll do my best,"

"Thank you Santa," my words were sincere
Then back out the door, to his waiting reindeer
He sprang to his sleigh to his team gave a whistle
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle
But I heard him exclaim ere he drove without strife
"Merry Christmas to all! Semper Fi, marine wife