by: Paula

"Mommy, who brings Santa presents?"
(it was his hundredth question of the day)
His little face gazed up solemnly;
She was at a loss for words to say.

She hugged him tight and smoothed his blanket
and thought of Santa and all that flying
’round a world caught up in tragedy,
a world at risk – so many dying.

Yet this unselfish five year old
with Christmas starlight in his eyes
had to think and wonder who
would give Santa his own surprise.

Then carefully she chose her words
so he would understand
how the scope of Santa’s trip
’cross each and every land.

"Your Daddy and men like him, son,
give Santa gifts this night
each time he leaves the North Pole,
they help him plan his flight."

"They tell him when it’s safe to fly
so he’ll come to no harm
from our Okinawan high rise
to the smallest German farm.”

“In camouflage they guard him
from every dune to each oasis –
in deserts torn apart by war,
bringing gifts to hiding places.”

“Helicopters are his mountain escort,
protecting him at such a price!
So Afghani boys and girls like you
Will have candy, toys and even rice.”

“When he flies over seas and oceans
ships and carriers light his way
while submarines listen in on sonar –
none will let him go astray.”

“Men like Daddy guard the White House too,
as they watch our flag fly free,
then map out a route past the “No Fly Zone”
towards Grandma’s in Albany.”

“He whispers his thanks to those standing guard
in Arlington, this dark lonely eve;
bows his head in respect for those who have died,
asking comfort for those who grieve.”

”He’ll stop off quick at Quantico,
and Parris Island too,
they’ll refill his pack with toys there,
for kids not as lucky as you.”

At Camp Pendleton he’ll land the sleigh –
For the reindeer need to rest
And even Santa needs to eat and drink
(they’ve left cookies and milk in the mess.)”

“So you see sweetheart, he does get gifts
all through our Christmas Eve night.
He’s safe, he’s guided, protected and loved
Throughout his worldwide flight.”

”Men like Daddy give him the same gifts
they bestow on the world each day.
All gifts can’t be wrapped up in ribbons and bows,
can you see what I’m trying to say?”

and we can stay calm and serene.
He belongs to the world, but especially us –
You see, Santa was once a Marine.”