Christmas of nineteen forty-one

Was quite a celebration:

Our wounded never had such fun,

They got new medication.



Presents came from all around

From mothers, girls, and boys,

Of books and clothing by the pound,

Things that everyone enjoys.



Benno got a music box,

Giovanni rolls and marmalade,

Carlo got a pair of socks,

Michele got gloves of suede.



Benno was deaf as he could be,

Giovanni had no guts at all.

Carlo's legs were gone at the knee,

Michele had lost his arms that fall.