Leading commands urged fools to folly
'Cover the archers', 'Defend the Rangers', 'Dispatch the knights and charge!'
Pungent covenants pledged in dire death cries
'Corporal of the Guard, I don't want to die.'
The ranger's arrows flared and twanged
Priests and mothers clasped hands and sang
Knights and soldiers battled and bled
The dogs of war fed on the dead
Haunting pleas of mercy and salvation
'I'm dying,' 'I'm freezing,' 'Tell my wife I love her.'
Voices blossom in bloody steam and ice
'Corporal of the Guard, would you try to kill us twice?'