Happy Hearts Warming, My Friend
Twas the night before Hearts Warming, he lived all alone,in a city made of ivory colored stone.I already made my way around Canterlot,yet I hadn’t visited one home in this particular lot.Down below, the house came alive,even though it was 11:05.soon the light was out once againyou could even hear the drop of a pen.I circled but soon made my decision,and landed on his roof with expert precision.down the chimney I slid, bag of presentsto give,to see who inside this home did live.I looked all around, a strange sightto see,this home was barren of holiday glee.A shadow box with ribbons in a neat row,was the only decoration to show.Picture of a pony in armor and helm,said clearly who owned the box made of elm.This was the home of one never mentioned by bards,this was a home of one of Celestia’s Guards.I had heard many a story of valor galore,so I crept down the hall and opened the door.The room reminded me more of a prison,his bed was the floor under a blanket of crimson.He looked gentle, though his face was quite scared,not how I pictured one of Celestia’s Guard.There I watched in the room smaller than a cell, a shift of the cover showed he had seen hell. A whole wing was missing, this was quite a shock, Probably many a filly and colt would gawk. There on the desk was a letter one would mourn,told of the fate of one with he was born.A brother who gave his life during service,this had made me quite nervous.next to that was a note of the diarch’s thanks,though he was being expelled from the ranks.It seemed he would soon be retired,his story would leave recruits inspired.In the face of an indomitable odd,they had manage to save their squad.The twin had made the ultimate sacrifice,but he lived only by roll of the dice.It seemed that fate wasn’t kind,for one whose life service defined.With this thought my lip started to quiver,as down my back came a shiver.I fell to my haunches and started to cry,for one whom death was not shy.My weeping must have awoken him, around my barrel I felt a limb.“Santa, please don’t cry” his voice pure,“for harmony we did insure”“I knew fully what could be the price,though again I’d make that sacrifice.”With that he then went back to sleep,but I sat there and continued to weep.I watched him sleep and a shiver I did perceive,at the end of Hearts Warming Eve.The strike of the clock, it was Hearts Warming Day,not long fillies and colts would go out and play.Parents would watch them and exchange happy wishes,and all would eat food that was quite delicious.All of Equestria owed a debt,to the ones history’d forget.I soon saw him shiver from winter’s bite,so I gave him my coat trimmed in white.it covered him from head to hoof,and would be my thanks’ proof.Though this wouldn’t be enough to pay,one who stood watch both night and day.Hopefully it would warm this guard’s heart,this stallion that innocence did depart.One who lost both brother and friend,I can’t imagine how his heart could mend.How often had he stood at agony’s abyss,being tempted by oblivion’s kiss?One that opted to stand in our stead,to protect where everypony tread.But still again he would do it all,would once again answer the call.He had have to loved us all the most,to never abandon his post.So soon I had to return to my sleigh,with much to do before the start to the day.So I picked up my bag and made my exit,not before leaving one more present.Happy Hearts Warming Night,my friend so willing to fight.----Phalanx awoke from the odd dream,as though the window the sun did gleam.The warmth of the poncho made it hard to be shed,till he peaked open and saw a coat colored red.Scrambling out in a state full of fright,he remembered the event of last night.Santa Hooves’ vigil over him weeping,he thought to be dreams while he’d been sleeping.Little time did he have to ponder this fact,he’d be late for his post if he did not act.So he donned his armor and shoes with little delay,and raced through the streets where children play.Soon he was at the steps of a castle colored white,home to bringers of celestial light.He took his post outside the innermost gate,one soon be smiled on by fate.Soon out they came in all their brilliance,Princesses Celestia, Luna, Twilight and Cadence.He bid them greetings with the utmost reverence,words alone failed to describe their elegance.As they exited to celebrate this blessed day,Phalanx stood watch in the guard’s way.looking forward, with his thousand yard stare,he noticed a message crafted with care.“Thank you my friend, for all that you do.Equestria is safe because of stallions like you.very few ponies may know these truths,count me among them, - Santa Hooves”He bowed his head to hide the liquid pride,everpony knows Royal Guards don’t cry.And so with that there is little more to tell,in the land of horses colored pastel.Santa Hooves left many messages profoundly deep,that it made even the most hardened veterans weep. So now to everypony with holidays so grand,I ask you think of those whom serve in this land.Some will spend this holidays alone, but don’t want you to atone.For many all is required is a heartfelt thanks,to bring warmth and cheer to the ranks.please remember this advice,never forget their sacrifice.So a happy Heart Warming to the young and the old, especially those who wear armor of gold.
