Riparto D'Assalto

Drummed their boots on the camion floor, Hob-nailed boots on the camion floor. Sergeants stiff, Corporals sore. Lieutenant thought of a Mestre whore -- Warm and soft and sleepy whore, Cozy, warm and lovely whore; Damned cold, bitter, rotten ride, Winding road up the Grappa side. Arditi on benches stiff and cold, Pride of their country stiff and cold, Bristly faces, dirty hides -- Infantry marches, Arditi rides. Grey, cold, bitter, sullen ride -- To splintered pines on the Grappa side At Asalone, where the truck-load died.