My father said: here they lie,
the Canadians. I saw them standing
by the canal, in their grey clothing.
Endless rows, fit for the slaughter.

Shoulder to shoulder, they stood:
the slightest wind and off they'd go.

In peace. Canadians on both
sides. Here for too long
to go back. Too deep
in the ground to march away.

Translation: Willem Groenewegen, 2010.