They boast, of deeds performed the night before, 
of conquest in dark alleys of their minds, 
of gallons drunk and women satisfied, 
erecting pedestals and laying claims 
on which to build their reputation's high 
in up-manship and camaraderie.

By day they learned the drills and skills of war, 
defile dead ground, find trees with bushy tops 
as aids to indication; march at ease, 
sing ribaldry and urinate the lanes, 
but never ask the question burning deep 
beyond the chilling sweat, proceeding sleep.

These were the quiet men before they came—
from home like yours and mine one may suppose, 
and on this battle-eve some say their prayers, 
and most are virgins if the truth be told; 
tomorrow they'll be taller tales to tell 
and quieter men for telling them as well.