Peace is declared, an' I return
⁠To 'Ackneystadt, but not the same;
Things 'ave transpired which made me learn
⁠The size and meanin' of the game.
I did no more than others did,
⁠I don't know where the change began;
I started as a average kid,
⁠I finished as a thinkin' man.

⁠If England was what England seems
⁠An' not the England of our dreams,
⁠But only putty, brass, an' paint,
⁠'Ow quick we'd drop 'er! But she ain't!

Before my gappin' mouth could speak
⁠I 'eard it in my comrade's tone;
I saw it on my neighbour's cheek