Return to the Town

When you come back into your town,
And women come to meet you there
And hold above their greying heads
The children high into the air,

Perhaps you've played a hero's part!
Don't pride yourself, as you return!
You don't deserve their gratitude -
Forgiveness is the most you'll earn!

You've merely paid a frightful debt
Which you brought on you at the start,
When your retreating regiment
Condemned them to a year apart.