Letter From The Trenches By Sammie Whyte Essay Example

on what we had lost. I took solace in the knowledge that I was not alone in mourning the absence of loved ones.

David left his beloved wife behind, missing her like a deaf person misses sound. Andrew also left his wife, who has since given birth to a daughter he may never meet. The youngest, Josh, was reserved but gave the impression of depth that will remain a mystery.

While being with them, I was able to reminisce and speak of you without shedding tears. I hope that David, who will soon be turning eight years old, and Adam are being well cared for. Has Adam learned to say "Dada" yet? I miss them greatly and it seems like it has been an eternity since I last saw them. If I were to return, I fear that they will not recognize me and it would be soul-crushing. However, after just one week at the front, I began vomiting extensively and experienced terrible diarrhea. It was initially believed to be trench sickness as this affliction had affected everyone at some point.

On the third day, I fainted and had to be taken to a medical tent after a nurse from the reserve was called. Upon diagnosis, I was found to have cholera. The despair was palpable, as I felt like death was upon me and everyone shared in that fear. I couldn't help but think about never seeing, smelling or holding you again, and bitter tears were shed.

While lying in the unsanitary medical tent, I had a hallucination of seeing you in your finest attire, appearing as stunning as ever. Initially, I believed I had passed away

and you were a celestial being transporting me to the afterlife. However, once I cleared my vision of slumber and tears, it became apparent that the individual before me was a fresh nurse entering this torment, not a divine figure ready to rescue me. For an extended period, I sat and gazed, weeping continuously.

After a two-week absence, I received clearance and returned to my duties at the front line. However, upon arrival, I observed two significant changes. Firstly, the Eastern wall of the trench had collapsed due to the mud and a shell hit. Secondly, none of the soldiers I mentioned earlier were present. It was revealed later that David had committed suicide. This news left me feeling deeply upset.

Upon his arrival, David was filled with joy. However, he ultimately ended his own life, rather than being killed by enemy fire. Despite once being in his company, my current associates do not remember him. Even if they did, they would not dare to speak of him due to the disgrace associated with suicide. Cowardice is a topic that my fellow soldiers avoid at all costs. As such, I will pay tribute solely to David's memory and pray that he rests peacefully with the Lord. The others have all moved to the reserve, seeking respite from the constant shelling and loss of life. Consequently, I am now alone alongside many strangers.

My mind is playing cruel tricks on me because I miss you so much. While lying in my lice and rat-infested bundle last night, I thought I heard your slow, steady breathing. I was too afraid to open my eyes and be faced with the harsh

reality of my situation. Instead, I was trapped by the sweet sound, hoping that the last year had just been a nightmare that would eventually fade. I prayed that it was really you beside me and not just a cruel illusion.

Hoping to see your lovely face and tell you how much I adore you, I prayed before opening my eyes. Despite lying there and praying for what felt like hours, I eventually dared to open my eyes. However, instead of seeing you, I was met with the sight of a hungry rat staring directly at me. The shock was so intense, I screamed loudly enough for the Germans to hear. Following this, I was overcome with nausea and vomited repeatedly into an unpleasant and foul-smelling bucket.

After vomiting until my stomach was empty, I cried as winter approached steadily. The temperature is the opposite of what it was during summer- instead of burning your bones, it freezes them. Summer heat causes flesh to decay, whereas winter cold also rots it.

Expressing my confusion about which is worse, I must confess that both are a nightmare. Moreover, I want to emphasize how deeply I love you and assure you that I will make my way home at the earliest. Please convey my affection to our boys and make them recall my identity. Please hold on for my return.

Despite my love and longing for you, I am compelled to investigate a current disturbance. Rest assured, I will be back soon.