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Post by pfieffer on Oct 11, 2009 1:57:12 GMT -5
okay so my history teacher was talking about a boy going to war and she specifically said WWI which got me thinking of Christmas 1915... then she said their is always the older general who says i will protect you... which got me thinking of Bird Without Wings... oh btw we were talking about the relationship between Ishmeal and Quequeg in Moby Dick... so yeah... Also WWI is my favorite... favorite book (All Quite on the Western Front) takes place during it and my favorite CT group song is Christmas 1915 so yeay...
p.s. this story is mainly about damian and george featuring the other guys... it is told in first person... from damian's perspective also he is 18 in this story and george's perspective... okay onto the story
oh and this in no way was taken off an idea from any ones story, so sorry if you think it is... no harm intended. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prologue: "1915 on Christmas Day On the western front the guns all died away And lying in the mud on bags of sand We heard a German sing from no man's land He had tenor voice so pure and true The words were strange but every note we knew Soaring or the the living dead and dammed The German sang of peace from no man's land
They left their trenches and we left ours Beneath tin hats smiles bloomed like wild flowers With photos, cigarettes, and pots of wine We bult a soldier's truce on the front line Their singer was a lad of 21 We begged another song before the dawn And sitting in the mud and blood and fear He sang again the song all longed to hear
Silent night, no cannons roar A king is born of peace for evermore All's calm, all's bright All brothers hand in hand In 19 and 15 in no man's land
And in the morning all guns boomed in the rain And we killed them and they killed us again At night they charged we fought them hand to hand And I killed the boy that sang in no man's land
Silent night no cannons roar A king is born of peace for evermore All's calm, all's bright All brothers hand in hand And that young soldier sings And the song of peace still rings Though the captains and all the kings Built no man's land Sleep in heavenly peace"
Damian- December 31 1914. It was dinner time, and I was nervous. Because well, It could possibly be my last dinner with my family. Tomorrow January first, I had to leave. I was drafted, my number was picked. I was dreading tomorrow. "Damian eat some food." My mom encouraged. How could I possibly eat, I was going to war tomorrow, I was to busy worrying about, my life, i was sad, happy, nervous. You name it I was probably feeling it. I was going to war a very innocent boy. I finished dinner barely eating a thing. I went straight to bed. My mom walked in, "I wish you the best of luck sweety." She kissed me on the forehead. She left my room, not knowing if I would see her again. I laid down in my warm fuzzy bed, knowing full well the next day I would not have one. I could not sleep this new years eve. I tossed and turned all night. I finally fell asleep around one, and got up at five. I poked my head in my parents room and whispered good bye, and left for the war office. Each step I took that put me closer to the office made me more nervous. I shook with each step. I walked up the six stone steps, my steps getting slower and slower as I neared the top. I placed my hand on the brass knob of the wooden door, and took one last look of my home in Ireland. Opening the door, I walked in. I walked up to a table, where a short brunette was standing, "Good morning soldier..." He started.
George- It was new years eve, I had to go get the new recruits tomorrow, but my mind was not on them now, my mind was on my family. I had a beautiful wife, and a daughter that was cuter than any puppy. We were eating dinner. "Daddy," My little girl, Sarah, started, "Why do you have to leave again?" Oh I did not want to answer to that question, I looked of at Carrie, my wife, she nodded. That was our signal for me to lie, "I have to leave because their was a fight and I need to help break it up." It was not entirely a lie, for their was fighting going on in Europe and I was a general in the Army who was going to help stop the war. This answer pleased Sara, "Oh okay." She said. Dinner ended, and we walked into the living room a grabbed my guitar, both Carrie and Sarah loved when I played the guitar. I sang a song, and the announced, "It is bed time, for everyone." I put more emphasis on everyone." I tucked Sarah into bed, and told her a story, ending with a kiss on her forehead. I slowly walked into my bedroom where Carrie was already in bed. I got ready for bed, this could possibly be the last night with my wife. I climbed into bed. "George," Carrie started, she was sad, and I knew what she was going to say, "Do be careful." I kissed her, and reassured her I would be very careful. I went to bed and woke bright and early it was four am and I had to be at the office before all the young draftees arrived. I kissed my wife goodbye, and I kissed Sarah good bye. I headed for the office. I walked into the building into the room where I was supposed to be. A few minutes later my two lieutenants and captain showed up. I placed them, The captain was handing out uniforms, one of the lieutenants was to be at the table handing out paper work, and the other was to be in here with me helping keep the kids calm. It wasn't before to long when the first boy came in through the brown door of the building. I could here the first words out of the lieutenants mouth, "Good morning soldier..."
well i hope you like it so far. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know what ya think.
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Post by pfieffer on Oct 13, 2009 22:05:46 GMT -5
Damian- "I am Lieutenant Ryan Kelly. Please fill out these forms, hand all of them but number three back to me." I sat in one of the chairs that was set out. And proceeded to fill out the forms. I filled them out for what seemed like forever. I think I rewrote my name about fifty times. I finally finished. Handed Sir Kelly the forms. I kept number three. "You can go to the next room." I walked through a door. Their was yet another table, and a blond man standing behind it. He had long hair, I wondered how he was able to keep it long being in the military. Behind the man were a bunch of uniforms. "Morning soldier." He said as I handed him my form. "McGinty." He looked at me, then at the form, then at me again, "You sure your old enough." "Yes sir. Turned eighteen this past September." Obviously the man did not believe me, "Byrom come here." "What is it Keith?" A tall brunette asked the blond. "I think this lad is fibbing about his age." Keith replied. The brunette looked at me, then at Keith, then at the form, and back up at me. "Nah, he is fine mate." "Thanks." Keith said. I was handed a duffel, "In here is your uniform and rations and gun, This is all you need, You also have been given a notebook. You can go to the next room." I thanked him, and walked into the room where the brunette had come from. The brunette was sitting on a chair, he looked bored out of his mind. "Um, excuse me, what am I supposed to do now?"
George- Ryan had finished his speech it had been while then we heard Keith's voice. "So what do ye think the first recruit will look like?" I asked Paul. "I don't know." Suddenly we heard Keith yell, "Byrom!" "Time to go." Paul got up out of the chair he had lounged in and went into the other room. He came back shortly, "Well, Georgie boy I know what our first recruit looks like. The boy came through the door way, my goodness he looked no older than twelve, no wonder Keith needed Paul's help. "Um, excuse me," The young recruit asked, "What am I supposed to do now?"
please go back and read the first post i added some stuff that i think makes it better. sorry for a few historical inaccuracies do not get mad at me please... lol. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me what ya think. please comment i am BEGGING. love ya
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Post by pfieffer on Oct 19, 2009 22:07:16 GMT -5
what happened to the readers Damian- When I finished the question the bald guy started towards me. This guy was a giant. He scared me inside and out. I was pretty sure you could see it in my face. He took a step towards me, and I took a step back. "Private," He started. "Yes sir." I managed to mumble. He laughed, I did not think this was funny, I was scared silly, "Change into your uniform and sit." He gestured towards another room. I walked in. Opened the duffle. On top was the gun. I picked it up and quickly placed it on the ground. I did not know if I was ready for war. I pulled out the pants shirt, and shoes put them on and placed my normal clothes in the bag. Slowly I zipped the duffel, and picked up the gun. I trudged to the door, I grasped the knob, turned ready to face the war. I went over to one of the chairs next to the brunette, whome I only assumed could have the last name of Byrom. "Private," The bald man smiled, "I am General Donaldson, George. What's your name." I looked up at the man, "Damian McGinty." "Well McGinty, I think you and I will be very good friends." "Why do you say that?" I asked. "Well..." He started.
George- I took a step towards the lad, he took a step back. He was scared. He looked like a lost puppy. "Private." I stated. "Yes sir." He responded, he was raised right. He was a smart lad. He seems to understand that I am in charge. I want be a friend with the kid. I laughed, "Change into your uniform and sit." Nothing much he can do now. He walked into the room where I had gestured. "He doesn't look ready." Paul told me as soon as the door closed. "I know, he is so young." "Eighteen as of september." "Eighteen!?" I surprisingly asked. "That is why Keith asked me in." "The boy looks no older than twelve." "Took me a while to figure it out." "Wow. He must be scared silly." The boy walked back in more scared than when he entered. He sat down next to Paul. "Private. I am General Donaldson, George. What's your name." The lad gulped, and looked up at me with the saddest blue eyes I had ever seen, "Damian McGinty" "Well McGinty, I think you and I are going to be good friends." I told him, trying to give the best comfort I could. "Why do you say that?" The boy asked. "Well..." I started, almost hesitating.PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE comment and tell me what ya think. i am BEGGING. love ya
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Post by pfieffer on Nov 2, 2009 0:19:43 GMT -5
Damian- He continued, "I want to make in my personal aim to be friend to each of the guys who come through that door." Just then the man who handed me my paper work, Ryan I think was his name, entered. "Sir." He saluted George. "At ease." "It is nine o'clock, this young one is the only one that showed up." "Just as I suspected." George replied. "Well McGinty, it looks like we will be closer than expected." "Sir, if I may." "Go ahead, Ryan." He sounded sarcastic. "We are going to be Brother's in arms." This made me smile. Knowing that these guys were going to help me through this intense journey. I just wanted to know why no one else came. Keith then walked in, "What am I supposed to do with all this stuff." "Just leave if for the next guys." George said. The five of us walked out of the building, and got into a car. My nerves were building. We drove for a while, and I fell asleep as did Paul, and Keith. When I woke up, I was a little crushed inside.
George- I continued, "I want to make in my personal aim to be friend to each of the guys who come through that door." Ryan then walked into the room, this could only mean bad news. "Sir." He saluted me. "At ease." I told him. "It's nine o'clock and this young one is the only one that showed up." "Just as I expected." I replied, I was hoping this would not happen, but it did. We really were going to be close. I had a feeling I was being ripped off. "Sir if I may." "Go ahead Ryan." I rolled my eyes, He had been wanting to say this forever, and now was the perfect time. "We are going to be brothers in arms." The lad smiled. This made me feel all warm inside. Keith walked in then, "What am I supposed to with all this stuff" "Just leave it for the next guys" What else was he going to do. The five of us walked out of the building and to the car. We all got in. Damian, Paul, and Keith dozed off. I expected it. Ryan and I, had a pretty good talk. "They are getting younger and younger." Ryan commented, looking back at the sleeping boy between Paul and Keith. "I know, but he seems to have a heart for it." "I just don't want him getting hurt. I want his mum to see him again." "I know what ya mean Ry." We were already very close. The truth is I hated being called sir. Made me feel a whole lot older than I actually was. That is why I wanted to be real friends with all the men I was in charge of. Ryan became silent as did I. Paul, Keith, and Damian woke up just about the time we pulled up to the training camp. I looked back at the little lad, he looked depressed. I could not blame him.
I hoped y'all liked it PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me what ya think. love ya.
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Post by pfieffer on Nov 14, 2009 1:00:52 GMT -5
Damian- As I looked out the window I saw barren land, with a few green tents. "Welcome to your home for the next few months." George said cheerfully. How could this be home. We piled out of the car and headed towards a tent that was bigger than the rest. Their were other soldiers walking around. "These are the rest of my troops." He told me, "Not that much, but I take what they give me." Was that supposed to be bad. Was a some kind of reject. When we entered the tent it was the mess hall. We got in line and got our food. I heard a soldier say, "Hey look at the new guy, he looks young." Another soldier replied, "What makes him so special that he gets to hang around with the officers." This dampened my spirits even more. I was getting my first taste of the real army life. George slipped away for a second and joined us again. Paul looked at me, "Don't let what they say get to ya. They went through the same thing." I followed them to a table and we sat eating lunch. "Training starts in hour. Keith put Damian's stuff in his tent would ya." George said. "Yes sir." Keith replied. Finishing our lunches, I followed Keith to my stuff, and to my tent. Keith left me. I entered in, their were two cots, both empty. I walked around the camp alone for an hour, none of the other soldiers wanted to talk to me for some reason. The whistle blew for us to come to training. I ran to the center of the camp, where their was a flag pole and a large empty space. I was starting my training, I had a feeling I was going to change.
George- The land looked like a desert in the middle of Ireland, Ireland is the Emerald Isle, it still doesn't make sense to me. Trying to cheer Damian up I said, "Welcome to your home for the next few months." We got out of the car and started walking towards the mess hall. "These are the rest of my troops," I sighed, "Not that much, but I take what they give me." Damian seemed hurt, maybe I should watch what I say a little bit better. Entering the mess hall I over heard a conversation of two soldiers, One said, "Hey look at the new guy, he looks young." The other replied, "What makes him so special that he gets to hang around with the officers." I saw Damian was a little taken back, plus that was uncalled for, the soldiers not better. Slipping away, I walked up to the two soldiers. They saluted. "Afternoon privates." I greeted. "Afternoon sir." The replied, scared out of their wits, they had figured out that I had over heard their conversation. "At ease." I told them, they spread their legs apart and placed their hands behind their backs. "You know why I am her right." The soldier who made the comment about how young Damian, Privet Byrne replied, "Yes sir." "What about you sir O'Donoghue?" Directing my question to the soldier who made the comment about Damian hanging out with officers. "Yes sir." He replied. "Training today, you will be punished, no bad talk about new recruits or any recruits, do ye hear. I made that clear from the beginning." "Yes sir" The both replied. "Dismissed." They ran off, like a dog does when it gets into trouble. These soldiers ran off in shame with their tales tucked between their legs. I hated when I had to bring out the mean side of my job, but it has to be done. I joined back up with Ryan, Paul, Keith, and Damian. We received our food and sat down. "Training starts in an hour." I told Damian, "Keith, put Damian's stuff in his tent would ya." "Yes, Sir." Keith replied. We finished lunch. Damian followed Keith out of the mess hall. Ryan and Paul went to go find the other captains and tell them about when training was. I went to my office to do some paper work. An hour passed, I walked out into the center of camp and blew my whistle. Soldiers came from all directions. Training had started.
I hope y'all liked it. please comment. thanks for reading love ya
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Post by pfieffer on Nov 23, 2009 1:58:23 GMT -5
Damian- A kid walked up behind me, "Hello." he greeted. "Hello." I replied turning around, the guy seemed a bit shocked. "You old enough to be here?" He asked. "Yes." I coldly replied, "Turned eighteen this September." "What's your name?" The red head asked. His hair was a pretty deep red, it was fairly straight. He smiled at me, how could I not reply. This reply would change my life, in fact the kid with flaming red hair would change everyone's lives. "Damian, yours." He paused, "Name's..."
George- Everyone was meeting, chatting. I figured I would let them. The captains were talking to each other. And the lieutenants were gathered around each other Their was only one me, sometimes I wish I had someone to talk to. It is the reason I wanted everyone to call me by my first name, unless in ranks or for army matters. I walked around a bit. I noticed Damian talking to the only nineteen year old recruit. They were close in age. And another one of my favorite privates. I hoped they would be come friends. I would later find out how close they become.
sorry for the shortness. hoped ya liked it. thanks for reading
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Post by pfieffer on Nov 26, 2009 1:42:24 GMT -5
Damian- "William McBride. But everyone calls me Willy. I guess your new." "Yep." "Been to the front?" "Nope." I replied. "Me neither." Just then George yelled, "Attention." We all got into rows, and stood at attention. "At ease." We all stood at ease. "Soldiers we have a new recruit. You all know the rules, respect them. If not, you will be given a punishment like Privates Neil, and Declan." The two men who talked about me earlier slowly stepped forward. "Lieutenants Kelly, and Byrom, will be leading your training today. You two follow me." George, Neil, and Declan took off running. Ryan and Paul stepped up, "Thirty laps around cap. Now." Paul said. We all took off. I just wanted to get them done, so I ran and ran. I did not know how many I had done, but a hand had pushed my chest. It was Ryan, "Lad you have done, forty, you can stop." I had know idea I had done that many, but I knew I would feel it the next day. I stopped, only to receive glares of other soldiers still running the thirty laps. The only smile I got was from Willy. George, Neil, and Declan were no where to be seen. Finally the laps ended. We did push ups, sit ups, and chin ups. We ran obstacle courses. They told us to get our guns, we did. When we got back, we were given shooting lessons. Finally training ended. I was tired, and more nervous than ever for fighting. At dinner I saw George again. I ate dinner with Willy. Everyone was silent. War had begun. The next few days, it was eat, train, eat, train, eat, sleep and repeat. On the third day after my arrival, it all started.
George- I decided the had been talking long enough, finally I bellowed, "Attention!" The men got into rows and saluted, "At ease." I then made an announcement "Soldiers we have a new recruit. You all know the rules, respect them. If not, you will be given a punishment like Privates Neil, and Declan." The two men crept forward, embarrassed. I then announced, "Lieutenants Kelly, and Byrom, will be leading your training today." Looking at Neil and Declan, "You two follow me." I started running and so did they. I made it my goal to not give out punishments that I could not handle. "Today we will be running." I told them. I took them away from camp, we would be running along ways. We ran for a long time. It felt so good. I looked back every once in a while, and they were hurting, it was evident in their faces. I was not going to let them give up so easily. I kept going, they started to slow, "Come on lads." I encouraged, as we kept running. I could feel it starting to hurt now, so I turned back. We finally made it back to camp, in time for dinner. Dinner had a silence to it. I think every one felt tired, and we all guessed it would be any day now. The next few days, we trained, ate, and slept. Then the day came. I got the call.
I hoped y'all liked it. Thanks for reading. love ya
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Post by pfieffer on Dec 13, 2009 2:20:16 GMT -5
Damian- We were heading to the trenches. I was more nervous now, then I was the day we signed up. It took about two months to get there. And when we were there we did not go to the front straight away. More months of training. One night I decided to write a letter. "Dear Mum, We are at the trenches now, no worry we are not in them. Although I feel as though I am. It is kind of scary. I am doing fine, I have made a really good friend. His name is Willy McBride. He is like a mentor, and I know he has my back in whatever happens. George does to, he is my commanding officer. Your sun, Damian" I addressed the letter, and went to the post office. The letter was on it's way. I went back to my back and rummaged through my duffel. I pulled out my civilian clothes, oh how missed wearing them. I was searching through the pockets of my pants, when I noticed a few pictures, on of my mum, one of me dad, and one of the three of us. I smiled. I guess my mom had put them in their the night before I left. I stuffed the pictures in my uniform pants pockets and headed out to go hand out with Willy. A few months passed, when the most memorable days of the war came about. George- I got the call to go to the trenches. Oh how I hated this day. They were all so young. They were not trained enough, but we had to go. It took about two months to get to the trenches, thankfully we were not needed yet. We trained more. One night I decided to write a letter. Going into the officers tent, I pulled out some paper and pen. I also pulled out a picture of Sarah and Carrie, that I always kept in my pocked. Dear Carrie, We are at the trenches now. We are not at the front, yet. Training is still going on. I worry for each of these boys, they all have families to go home to. I especially worry for my youngest recruits Willy McBride, and Damian McGinty. They have so much to loose, and so much to gain. The war will change them more than anything. I love you with all my heart. God bless, Your loving husband, George" I then wrote a little letter to Sarah, "Dear Sarah, Hello sweety, all is going well. I hope you are doing terrific. I miss you, and your cute little smile. Never forget me. I love you. God Bless, Daddy" Rereading the letter I started to tear. Wiping the tears away I addressed the envelopes, and gave them to the postman. My words were being sent home, Sarah would be happy, and Carrie would be comforted. A few more months passed, then the came the few weeks that would become known as "Remember December."
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Post by pfieffer on Jan 3, 2010 3:48:54 GMT -5
even though it seems like no one is reading this i am still gonna update possibly my favorite story ever. oh and i hope you catch all the allusions to the songs (not just the big ones ) Damian- It was two days before Christmas. I felt like I was going to puke every five minutes. My stomach was in my throat. I was shaking with nerves. Where did these nerves even come from? I ask myself. They were not this bad back at camp. Maybe it was because I knew I might not see my mum again. But I just know I need to get over these nerves, if I am going to be useful for anything. I have moved up in the ranks a bit. I was now a sergeant. I don't know why, maybe it was because I was a sharp shooter. No that could not be it. Maybe it was because of my unique leader ship skills. Yes the very ones that make me quiver ringing my gun like I would a wet towel. I was now nineteen. Almost a year since I first enlisted. My best mate Willy Mc Bride turns twenty January second. Boy is happy, he can't wait to turn twenty. Even though I am not a teenager or a kid anymore, I feel more like one as the day gets nearer when we are to head down to the trenches. That day would be tomorrow. Oh the day I am dreading with all my life. Thinking of how we were going into the trenches tomorrow I decided to write a letter to my mum, for I did not know when I would be able to again. I went into my tent, which I shared with Willy. He had the same idea for on his cot were papers and letters. I guess he was a writing a letter home. I pulled out paper and and pen. I wrote my last letter home, "Dear Mum, Tomorrow your worst fear is coming true, I am going into the trenches. Don't worry, your little boy will come out of them, unlike so many. I see men carried away on stretchers badly hurt or killed. Mum I will try my hardest not to be one of those, but if so I hope that it is because I am hurt and not the latter. I rather be hurt then dead. But the screams I hear coming from the hospital make me think other wise. I wish you and father a happy Christmas. Be sure to sing my favorite carol Silent Night. I think you will find, my presence will be their. If you know what I mean. Give dad my best. Happy Christmas. Your son, Damian" That was a hard letter to write, I am not afraid to admit it. I mean I would never know if I was going to see my mum again. Willy then spoke up, "Writing a letter home." I nodded, "Me to, but I am doing more." "More?" I asked. "You never know when your going to die, especially in this war, I decided to write my will. Just in case." I loved how optimistic Willy usually was, but this made me more downcast than I already was. I was not ready to write my will. I think my mum can handle that. Besides I am determined not to die. Willy was up late into the night, but was courteous enough to keep the light low. I could not fall asleep. His light went out and I soon heard the deep rumbling snores of Willy McBride that sounded to much like the shells going off in the distance. I finally fell into a deep, restless, dreamless sleep. Only to be awoken by what seemed like five minutes later to head into the trenches. We walked and walked and walked. Heading down a slope, the old ground was no more. The new ground was wet, and muddy. A stretcher passed, and the man on it grabbed my shirt. "This ain't a kids war." He said through pain in a hard to decipher British accent. I rather not describe him, for I try to forget my self. The man passed, I was in the back followed only by Willy, Keith, Paul, Ryan, and George. I would not move. I was frozen stiff and scared out of my wits. I felt a brotherly hand on my back, and saw Willy's face pop in front of me. "Hey, I got your back, what ever happens I will be their. Where you go I go, if you die I die. I promise I will do my best to save you." These were some of the most comforting words I had ever heard. Willy smiled patted me twice on the back and headed off. Despite how deep those words wore I was still routed to the spot. Then Ryan came up and said, "Just think, this will all be over soon, I mean these guys are our brothers in arms. We are all the same. Just know whatever happens, this" He held his arms out wide, "Will never be forgotten." He moved on and I was still routed to the spot. Keith walked up then, he said very little but his smile helped it all, "Just do it, mate, life it to it's fullest." He passed me, still ringing my gun, I would not move, I was sure I was whiter than a ghost, and sweating. Paul came up, "Remember the good times." Then he said something that gave me hope, "After it is all over, come visit, we can talk. Or just sit." He moved on. Leaving me standing still firmly standing where I was. Despite my tall stature. I felt small, I felt as though I was shrinking, and the walls of the trenches were getting higher and higher. I felt like a tiny ant. I then felt the hand on my shoulder, the fatherly hand, the warm hand, the kind hand. I felt the hand I was waiting for. I looked a little ways up, and smiling at me was the brilliant George Donaldson. His kind ways radiated from his stature. He was standing tall with his chest puffed out, making me feel even smaller, even though his warm touch seemed to make me bigger. "Well laddy," He started. "This is it." I looked at him, I sure my big blue eyes spelled the word fear. And even if they didn't I am sure he could read them for it was not all that hard. "I know." I gulped. He turned me and bent down a little to become eye level with me. Looking me straight in the eye he gave me the most comforting words I had heard, well next to Willy's promise to be their for me, "I will protect you, like you were my own. It wont ever change. You are young and you deserve a life. Never back down, and I will always be their." Each word was punctuated, especially the last few. These words got me moving. The words of all the guys were the ones that would get me through everything. Finally we got to the trenches, and fighting commenced. I will spare you the details of this particular bloodshed for it is not that important. That night was my first night in the trenched. Shells going off every minute it seemed. Made me jump. But finally I went into another restless sleep. I woke to Willy and Paul shaking me. "Damian, Damian, It's Christmas day, their seems to be a temporary truce. The Germans, they are playing football, and want us to join." Will told me eagerly, smiling down at me sleepy face. I got up at the words, I love football. We played a brilliant game, until we heard the sounds. "The brilliance of this tenor." Paul commented. Everything seemed to go quiet, as the sun sank lower into the skies. All the men brought at pictures of their families and we shared wine. Willy showed me for the first time the picture of three women. "The youngest." He started, "That's me sis no older than sixteen, the next oldest, well that is the girl who I am going to marry when the war is over, and the oldest, is me wonderful mum, cooks the best potato skins in all Ireland." I laughed, as I showed him my mum and dad. He then gave me his picture, "For safe keeping." he told me, bringing my somewhat high spirits down. Suddenly the tenor that was singing sang louder, as the sun went to it's final resting spot. "Leise Nacht, heilige Nacht, alle ist Ruhe, die alle heck ist" Then Paul joined in, joining the German tenor, "Round yon virgin mother and child." Soon the everyone was singing even me. It brought tears to the eyes of every man their. I looked at the German singing, he was younger than me. This shocked me. Slowly we headed back to the trenches for another restless night, and only to greet a day, I wish could be erased from my history.
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Post by pfieffer on Jan 10, 2010 19:11:45 GMT -5
George- Two days before Christmas. We were going to the trenches tomorrow. I don't know why but I am just more nervous this time. Everything today seemed to go slow. What I mean is that the world seemed to slow down. I decided to write one more letter to Carrie and Sarah. I started with my letter to Carrie. But before I even put pen to paper, Keith, Paul and Ryan popped into my tent. "Can I help you?" I asked, they all had concerned looks on their faces. This could not be good. "We are worried." Paul started. "About what?" I had a hunch what they were worried about. "About a certain someones promotion in ranks." Keith explained. "Lads, I am confident Damian will be a great sergeant." I replied. "Are ya sure, I mean every time I see him, he is shaking, he looks nervous." Ryan doubted. "But his skills are unbelievable. He was the right choice. Don't doubt my decisions boys." The guys nodded and headed out. Well except Paul. I could tell he was worrying for Damian. Who could blame beneath everything I was second guessing myself to. "If he is still nervous when we head down, just give him some words of encouragement. Tell the other guys that too." He nodded in understanding and left. I started my letter. "Dear Carrie, We go into the trenches tomorrow. I miss you ever so much. I can't wait till I get to see you again. Looking at your picture just is not enough. I miss seeing Sarah's bright smiling face in the morning. I miss seeing your face in the morning. I love you. God bless. Your loving husband, George" My second letter was to Sarah, my sweet daughter. Now I am not going to lie to her, but I am not going to tell the truth either. I mean she is only nine. "Dear Sarah, Hi sweety. I miss you so much. I will be home soon. Hope you are doing good. Don't miss me too much. Love, Daddy" I put the letters in an envelope and sent them on their way. I fell asleep later that night, to what would be the last time I would sleep for the remainder of the war. I woke up the next morning grabbed my stuff, and headed out. I noticed Damian was frozen stiff. I nodded to Paul, he nodded to the rest of the guys. Before the guys could say anything, a man on a stretcher grabbed Damian, and said something to him. Damian's face drained of all color, and his blue eyes grew three times their normal size. What ever the man on the stretcher said, it scared the lad. Willy told Damian something that out color back in his skin. As Ryan, Keith, and Paul passed him, his face became more relaxed. Oh dear now I had to say something. Something that would encourage him, and get his feet moving. I put my hand on his soldier. His blue eyes looked up at me, they were longing for comfort. I smiled at him, I stood tall and proud. I took a breath. Then bent down so I could look him directly in the eye. "Well laddy, this is it." He gulped, oh he was so scared, he was standing helpless, wringing his gun, like one would a wet shirt to help it dry. "I know." he responded out of complete fear, not of me but of what was before him. "I will protect you, like you were my own. It wont ever change. You are young and you deserve a life. Never back down, and I will always be their." I made each word clear, those last few I meant the most. This got him moving, and we walked down into the deep trenches. As soon as we got there, we started fighting. No need to tell ye about this battle, none of my men died, and that is all that is important. Finally night hit, tomorrow was Christmas. Guess what my Christmas gift was. It was knowing that Sarah and Carrie were home safe. I did not sleep. Christmas came. I heard no shells going off. In fact I heard boys yelling the word goal. I peaked out over the top, their was some kind of truce. For the soldiers of both sides were sides were playing a game of football. The day was dieing. Men were showing each other pictures and sharing drinks. I pulled out the picture of Carrie and Sarah that I kept in my back pocket. I could feel the tears starting to come to my eyes. Suddenly I heard German. I had know idea what he was saying but I know the tune. It sounded like Silent Night. I started to hum. Then I heard Paul joining. Both the voices were tenors. Not long after words I everyone was singing even me. The last rays of light from the sun died. I tried to sleep that night but I could not. December twenty sixth came, Oh how I wish that it was still the twenty fifth. This was what I would consider the worst day of the war.
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Post by pfieffer on Jan 18, 2010 22:03:47 GMT -5
get your tissue boxes. this is a sad post.
Damian- I woke up to shells, shells, and more shells. We were in a battle I grabbed my gun. Peeking over the top of the trench I saw the Germans. They were charging. I shot. I stuck my head a little farther up to see who I got. My mouth dropped. I could not believe I killed the kid who sang in no man's land. He is so young. And, I, I, killed him. With my head peaking over the top of the trench I was not paying attention. Well a shell went off. Things went black I staggered backwards. I put my hand to my left eye. Blood. My vision was foggy. I was screaming in agony. I was passing out. I head Willy's voice, "Damian. Naw come on. Come on." The last voice I heard was Goerge's "Come on lad." I have no memory of what happened next. But I woke up in a bed with white sheets. Aw geeze I was dead. Then I heard Willy's voice. "Welcome back." "What happened?" I managed to say through a groggy voice. I felt something wrong. I put my hand up to where I felt the blood. Fabric. "It was not pretty lad. But good news, you get to go home." "What?" I sat up in bed. My vision was off, but I did not know why. "Well it's best if I start at the beginning." George started. "Shrapnel got into your eye, I could tell cause of all the blood." So that is why I had blood, he continued, "Right after you killed that German. You were falling back, and Willy grabbed ya. We took ya here. We have missed some fighting, but your life is more important." George finished. "On the bright side, you got a neat eye patch." Willy added. Things were not really adding up. Finally it sank in, "You mean..." I trailed off. My eyes were tearing up, wait, never mind. I hate this day. I would never be able to see out of my left eye again. I was going home. Oh goodness. "Sorry lad." George said. He handed me a black peice of material tied to a string. An eye patch. He quickly looked away. I fell back onto the pillow with a sigh. Things were changing, I am not sure if I like them. "Time to go Willy. Damian, your leaving tonight. Take the bandages off put the eye patch on. Your stuff is here already. Good luck." He walked away. Willy slipped me a few pieces of paper. Were they really leaving me? Was I really going home. I unwrapped the bandages and placed the eye patch on. A single tear fell down my cheek.
George- The midst of a battle, the shells going off. Men being killed. A shell came very close. Maybe a little to close for Damian. He was staggering back. Please don't be dead, please just be hurt. Willy caught him. I ran over. "Damian. Naw, Come on. Come on." Willy pleaded. I rushed over, "Come on Lad." We ran through the trenches carrying Damian, he still had a chance. This was normal procedure in my unit. If the man had a chance take him to the hospital. Immediately they said he wouldn't make it. "He's gonna make it!" I bellowed. "You work on him right now!" They took Damian in. About a day later he came out. Bandage wrapped around his left eye and head. "We got the shrapnel out. Don't know when he will wake up. We suggest people stay with him, we don't want to confuse him with the others." The surgeon walked away. I decided Willy and I would stay With Damian. When the battle ended We were visited by Ryan, Keith, and Paul. Paul and Ryan were in charge while I was here. Damian was asleep along time. I was doubting he would wake up. I prayed everyday for his life. Finally two days before the new year, he stirred. "Damian." I whispered. "Welcome back." Willy said with a smile. Damian heard him, he mumbled, "What happened?" He placed his hand to his eye, that pained me. I could tell he knew something was wrong. "It was not pretty lad. But good news, you get to go home." "What?" He sat up. "Well it's best if I start at the beginning." I stated. "Shrapnel got into your eye, I could tell cause of all the blood. Right after you killed that German. You were falling back, and Willy grabbed ya. We took ya here. We have missed some fighting, but your life is more important." I finished. He was not happy, he was mulling everything over in his mind "On the bright side, you got a neat eye patch." Willy added. I love Willy trying to find the bright side of things. "You mean..." he stuttered. He was tearing up. That was hard thing to look at. I closed my eyes. He felt the bandage again. "Sorry lad." I handed him an eye patch. I looked away. Now the part I hate about my job. I hated this with my entire being. I have never had a harder time saying the words, slowly they came. They came with a force I did not mean. "Time to go Willy. Damian, your leaving tonight. Take the bandages off put the eye patch on. Your stuff is here already. Good luck." I did not wait for a reply. I don't think I could handle one. I briskly walked away. I soon heard Willy's footsteps. A single tear fell down my cheek.
This is the happy song it is not very long. I warned ya tissue boxes. I got welled up when writing this post.
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Post by pfieffer on Feb 7, 2010 20:19:12 GMT -5
Damian- I tried to walk around. That was hard considering I was partially blind. But eventually I got the hang of it. I grabbed my stuff, and headed out. Near the door their was a mirror. Really did they really have to do that. They were certaintly boosting moral. I tried not to look. But it was to tempting. I looked at myself for the first time in over a year. Last time I did this I had two blue eyes. This time I almost threw up. I quickly turned away, and headed to a vehicle that would take me to the ship that would take me home. I was going to miss all of this. I know it seems weird. But I had made alot of friends. I sat for the rest of the ride in silence. The driver let me off. I got on the ship, and headed for Ireland. Th ships horn sounded, scared me silly. After a few days at see, we landed. I was back on the Emerald Isle. A few busses later. I was on my street. Their was no welcome party. I did not expect that for a fallen man. I slowly walked home. I walked up the front steps. I breathed, and knocked on the door. The smiling face of my mother greeted me. Hugging her, I noticed my father. He looked at me differently. He shook my hand then brought me into a hug. I could not tell if he was proud of my, or mad at me. I was happy to be back home. I will say I did not miss the shells or the fighting. What I missed was the comradery. The knowing that someone always had my back. A week had passed since my return home. I am not a man to cry. But recieved a telegram that made me cry harder, that I would have thought possible.
George- Damian was gone. One of the bravest men I will ever know. In front of me, Willy lightly walked back to the trenches. He turned twenty on January second. No doubt he was happy because of that. We got back, and Ryan, Keith, and Paul looked at. They wanted to know. Their eyes expressed everything. I shook my head, "He went home lads." Their faces fell. Willy's light step became a little harder. More days of fighting. First day of the new year we went into battle. Many men were killed. One in particular was really hard, like hit below the belt. I told him not to. But he lead the charge. The second his body was over the top of the trench he was shot, square in the chest. He fell backwards, into the arms of Paul, Keith, Ryan, Neil, and Declan. I ran forwards called off the charge. Now was not the time for it. I looked in his face. His green eyes were loosing color. They were no longer the bright emerald green, but now the green color of the sky before a tornado. Time seemed to slow down. He slowly turned his head towards me. And smiled, even in death he would be happy. Everyone was yelling things, but they seemed muted the rush of what was happening was slowed down. "Give this to me mate," he took a deep breath, and slowly reached into his pocked and handed me a letter. "Everything is his." Another breath. "Thanks for the great ti..." He breathed his last. The green completely gone from his eyes. They were colorless. I closed those eyes. A smile still on his face, he was pleasent. The guys put him down, he deserved a proper burial. But I knew that was unlikely. I was going to miss him. The slowness that seemed to be going on when he was dieing stopped. Things sped up again as I looked at his body.
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Post by pfieffer on Mar 2, 2010 22:43:17 GMT -5
after a lot of thinking and barely any comments on the story i finally decided how to end it. Damian- It had been years since the war. I did finally meet Willy's mum, sister, and fiance but it was not without much pain. I got a letter a few weeks ago. It was from George. "Dear Damian, I hope you remember me. Well I was thinking we could go to France, and finally pay our respects to Willy. A few other men will be their as well, the only others that survived, who ironicaly were their when Willy died. Hope you remember Paul, Ryan, Keith, Neil, and Declan. You were the only one we did not really stay in touch with. I got you a ticket and everything. See you soon, -George" How could I forget George, he was like a father too me, a guardian angel. I was on the boat right now, heading over to France. I was nervous I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. I had not been out of Ireland since the war. And I had only seen one of the guys since the war. I met up with Paul. I asked him what happened, as we sat on a bench. I laughed at the irony, because he said this is what we would do, that first day we walked into the trench. Finally the boat docked. Meeting me were Paul, Ryan, Keith, Neil, and Declan. "Hey guys." I waved. I think only Paul recocgnized me, he was the only one who had seen me recently, plus Neil and Declan never saw me after the accident. Finally I saw him. I saw George. He smiled, and I ran to him, to give him a huge hug. "Good to see ya again George." "Good to see you to lad. Well I guess your not a lad any more." He laughed, and took me under his arm. The group of us walked a ways, we did not have to walk far. We came to a large feild, with hills, and dips. I could only assume they were the trenches. Slowly I broke away from the group. I cam to one place that felt, well it felt weird. Paul came up, "That is where you were hurt." I quickly moved away from the spot. A few yards away, I slid down the dip, and walked to a place, I don't no why I just did. I felt George's hand on my shoulder. I knew what that meant. I bent down, "Hey Willy." I said, "It's me Damian. Thanks." I sad down, and a few tears trickled down my cheek. I think I finally had closure. I finally said goodbye.
George- I wrote Damian a letter, years after the war. Basically it said, I wanted to meet up with him and the survivors from my unit. I got him a ticket to come to France. Later I waited, I saw a group of men walk up. Damian came running to me. I embraced him. "Good to see ya again George." Goodness he looked older, no longer the young teenager who I knew, he was a true man, "Good to see you too lad, well I guess your not a lad anymore." I smiled. I put my arm around his shoulder. I felt as though I was guiding him, I felt as though he needed it more now than ever. We walked a ways, to the feilds. The green feilds of France. They were not totally green but they had hills and dip, from the trenches. Damian broke away from my arm, as though he was drawn to a certain spot. He stood their. I recocgnized the spot, with out anything their, he was standing on the spot where he killed the soldier and where the shrapnel got his eye. It was a weird sight, seeing only one of his blue eyes look at you, it was haunting and comforting. At least he survived, which is better than Willy. Paul told him something and he quickly moved, I guess he found out why he was drawn to the spot, Damian then walked a few yards, and slid down into the dip. Oh no, I went after him. He went to a certain spot. Even with grass covering the spot, I knew it very well. I remember lifeless green eyes looking skyward in this spot. I put my hand on Damian's shoulder. He knew. He bent down, "He Willy. It's me Damian. Thanks." Were the few words that came out of his mouth. He sat down, and looked at me tears starting to fall. I looked at him and smild. Finally closure, no more burdens, no more fighting. It was a good feeling.
EPILOGUE: Like a bird without wings That longs to be flying, Like a motherless child Left lonely and crying. Like a song without words, Like a world without music, I wouldn’t know what to do I’d be lost without you Watchin’ over me.
I get so lonely, when you’re away
I count every moment, I wait every day,
Until you’re home again And hug me so tight That’s when I know Everything is alright.
Like a bird without wings That longs to be flying, Like a motherless child Left lonely and crying. Like a song without words Like a world without music, I wouldn’t know what to do I’d be lost without you Watchin’ over me.
You’re my guardian angel My light and my guide Your hand on my shoulder And you by my side. You make everything beautiful,
You make me complete. Everything in my world I lay at your feet..
Like a church with no steeple,
Where a bell never rings. In a town without people, Where no voice in the choir ever sings.
If a boat on the ocean Would be lost with no sail, Then without your devotion Surely all that I dreamed of would fail.
Like a song without words Like a world without music, I wouldn’t know what to do I’d be lost without you Watchin’ over me
I wouldn’t know what to do I’d be lost without you Watchin’ over me
THE END
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Post by pfieffer on Mar 31, 2010 23:09:38 GMT -5
well i renamed the story to WWI: what it is, is a mouthful anyways here is the cover for it... don't mind the name that is pen name
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