Being in the trenches is a lot
harder than any of us had ever expected. It's a hard
dirty job that no one was prepared for. Life here is
disturbing; there are rats everywhere and bugs all
around us. Men haven't showered in days, some even
weeks. The stench is sometimes unbearable.
This war has accomplished nothing. I long for the
days when I can come home and sleep in a warm bed. I
need something hot in my stomach and some clean clothes.
I would never wish this on my worst enemy. With every
move we make, the other side prevails and lives are lost
by the thousands. Its like death row, we're just waiting
for our turn to die. Life here is sad. Prayers are
common, spirits are low, agony and pain is everywhere. I
can't sleep at night because of the cries. Wounded men,
some have no legs, some no arms, are lying in the dirt.
Infections, bacteria, disease, vermin, and suffering are
now our way of life.
We thought we could bear it the first few months. We
were glad to go to war, to fight for our country. But
here in the trenches, it brings down our hopes and kills
our dreams along with our family, friends, and fellow
soldiers.
I go now, leaving you with this thought, war doesn't
accomplish anything. This is what the trenches have
taught me. We must try to resolve things with words and
not actions. Too many people today feel it is masculine
to prove yourself with a fight. If you don't, you are
forever considered a coward.
My dear friend, I urge you to never feel like this.
It is a horrible feeling and I only wish you the best.
Please spread the word that the trenches have gained
nothing. We were sent here to die for nothing.
I thank you for your friendship and your kind ear. I
hope we can be together soon. I want to see you and my
family again although it seems unlikely. Peace to you my
dear forever friend.
