I heard a loud crack overhead, and the sounds of bullets whizzing past me, splitting the surrounding air. I ducked for cover a little lower in the trench to ensure my safety. Glancing overhead, the clouds seemed darker than before. There was now a light rain, almost like a mist. For just a second, both sides ceased fire, and everyone stared into the depressed sky, holding whatever weapons we had down low, or absent-mindedly dropping them. Up above, a beautiful white dove, wings spread out proudly, weaved through the clouds like a miniature airplane. The battlefield, usually filled with constant gunshots ringing out, was silent for once, the only noise was that of the wind rippling through soldier’s coats. We have been fighting for so long, just hoping for this war to end. To have this land in peace would be a great cause for celebration on both sides.

We stood there, marveling at the dove, until a frightening gunshot drew out attention away from it, and we remembered that the war had not ended. My fellow soldiers and I stood there, squatting in the mud and dirt of the deep, awkward trench. Shots echoed out from beside me. I could see some enemy soldiers fall as they foolishly stood up to observe the surroundings. We all know, any mistake here can easily become fatal.

No one wants this war, no one is willing to take part in it, but on the other hand the Germans must be stopped, and the Canadians, Americans, British, and Russians – the Allied Forces – are the ones to do the job. If the Germans win this…the world will collapse in to sheer chaos. 

I gripped my gun nervously, hesitating before I shot. I know, anyone shooting or being shot, was someone’s husband, someone’s son – someone’s father. With no other choice, I reluctantly summoned the power to pull the trigger. More shots rang out like fireworks. One of my friends, right next to me, stopped firing for a moment. Glancing his, way, I realize that he was on the receiving end of a German bullet. The rage escalated inside of me, like a kettle that’s been boiling too long. I stood a little higher, getting better aim at the enemy soldiers. Pulling the trigger several times, I observed numerous enemy soldiers fall. instantly,  it seemed like the whole world stopped. I heard two thundering cracks, and felt a throbbing pain in my right arm. 

Falling backwards, in desperate need of rest, my eyes thrust upwards before they shut. I could distinguish the silhouette of a dove soaring overhead. Slower this time, as if to bring peace to this war infested land.