The turkey’s all been eaten
The Xmas pud is done
The paper hats are wilting
Beneath the Afghan sun

The carols have resounded
Xmas wishes were exchanged
The posts are all alert now,
the targets have been ranged

One brief hour of normality
to brighten up the soul
but now the time has come for them
to get back on patrol

the thoughts of loved ones far away
the pain of being apart
does not distract them from their task
despite the lonely heart

The body armour’s fastened
The Mastiffs start to roll
for Xmas day is over
Once more they’re on patrol