The poem
It begins with one or two soldiers And one or two following With hampers over their shoulders. They might be off wildfowling
As they would another Christmas Day, So gingerly they pick their steps. No one seems sure of what to do. All stop when one stops.
A fire gets lit. Some spread Their greatcoats on the frozen ground. Polish vodka, fruit and bread Are broken out and passed round.
The air of an old German song, The rules of Patience, are the secrets They'll share before long. They draw on their last cigarettes
As Friday-night lovers, when it's over, Might get up from their mattresses To congratulate each other And exchange names and addresses.