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