We clung to the heights, though they were our life
And the mortar-fire rang out in squalls
But we thronged the heights, ever higher we climbed
As if raiding a full pantry hall.

 
 
 
 

Our mouths, blanched with fear, could not utter "Hurrah",
When we swallowed enemy lights
Seven times we commanded these sacred heights
Seven more we abandoned our rights.

 
 
 
 

Why don’t we sidestep these sacred heights?
What clings us to them, oh so tight?
The hours of our lives, the ways of our fates
Have crossed and bled here every night.