here we three at rest
and then another came,
with instructions,
issuing orders from the Front.
First we thought to kill that one;
a single simple bullet, and battle's all and fought and won.
But my brothers were in thrall of him,
and willingly would fall in line
with scribbled plans upon the dusty floor.
So, tightiening our belts and boots,
shouldering our weapons,
we stood
resembling once again the men of our former days;
- now but ragged survivors of a nation in retreat.
Assembled then and singing, we marched away,
and then by ferry-boat across the River Volga
Westward,
Westward to New Stalingrad.
Our destiny is met.
