I won't be home for Christmas



I won’t be home for Christmas,
just say a prayer for me,
that this thousand miles between us,
will not forever be.

No gleaming frosty winter,
no snowflakes in the air.
But there’s a chance of fireworks,
and rockets here or there.

I won’t be home for Christmas,
enjoy it there with them.
As you unwrap your presents,
remember where I am.

No bonfires full of chestnuts,
or carols in the air.
No choirs to serenade us,
just lonely desert prayers.

I won’t be home for christmas,
no toast of wine or beer.
So as you pour your glasses,
raise one for us out here.

Don’t let my absence hinder,
you from enjoying life.
Soon we will toast together,
If I come home alive.

I won’t be home for Christmas,
I’ll miss the New Year too.
But once my time here passes,
I’ll make up for it soon.

If I return as normal,
I’ll pick up where we left.
If I become immortal,
just know I did my best.

I won’t be home for Christmas,
please say a prayer for me,
Whatever fate hurls at us,
won’t sever you and me.

…however long that may be.

About this poem

A tribute to the troops spending Christmas far from home and away from loved ones

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Written on December 01, 2022

Submitted by JD.Mags on December 01, 2022

Modified on April 22, 2023

1:12 min read
337

Quick analysis:

Scheme Abab cdxd Axxx xdax Axex cxcx Axex fxfx Abab b
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 1,044
Words 241
Stanzas 10
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 1

J.D. Mags

I spent seven years as a photojournalist. I spend much of my time writing poems, listening to music and thinking about life. I have traveled to numerous countries around the world and realized that people everywhere are the same. more…

All J.D. Mags poems | J.D. Mags Books

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Discuss the poem I won't be home for Christmas with the community...

6 Comments
  • Philipo
    Fine work. I was even thinking that you are incarcerated in some foreign land. Sounds unisex to all forms of absence.
    LikeReply12 months ago
  • Andrusha
    Great work J.D.!
    LikeReply1 year ago
  • marie_k
    wow. I am a military veteran, I have to tell you this really resonated with me. It brings into my view an image of a very strong, humbled soldier who accepts how the different roles he has in this life affects him/her and the ones he cares about the most. Great job!! 
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • JD.Mags
      Thank you very much!
      LikeReply 11 year ago
  • lovingempath
    This poem really touched my heart. Thank-you for capturing the essence of those who are away from their homes and loved one...especially around the holiday seasons. Congratulations on your well-deserved win! 
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • JD.Mags
      Thank you so much!
      LikeReply1 year ago
  • Symmetry58
    Congratulations, J.D. This is extremely worthy of its billing. You're an excellent writer and poet my friend.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • JD.Mags
      Thanks brother! And congrats to you as well!
      LikeReply1 year ago
  • tanyas.74554
    Your poem told a wonderful but sad story. I hope you'll all be together again soon every day and especially at Christmas, healthy and whole.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • JD.Mags
      Thank you!
      LikeReply1 year ago

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"I won't be home for Christmas" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/147921/i-won't-be-home-for-christmas>.

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