Tic tac toe

Descriptive writing task: 700 words



Poem featured in assignment: Dulce et decorum est



Dear Diary,

I have failed upmostly. My soldiers have been sacrificed in the battle to fight for our country. What more can i say? A feeling of guilt has been in my heart, for I am the king of the country but cannot do anything to salvage the broken relationship between our enemies and us and yet the soldiers have no choice to fight.

How could I ever imagine the pain and sorrow the soldiers must have felt then. How could I ever compensate their families. No, that is not possible. For they were willing to fight to the end, even if it was to sacrifice their sight and limbs, the soldiers continued to go into battle for the state. I can never thank them enough, for they have did their best and even if they fail, I will still recongnise their efforts to fight for our country. A soldier who survived the ordeal came to me today and told me the heart-breaking news. The way he described it, its just unbearable!

I remembered vividly, he said that they were drunk with fatigue and the morale was low. However, they still continued to fight for what is right. But as we were unprepared, the enemies launched an attack of poisonous gas upon us. As they fumbled to wear their masks and helmets, many were still not quick enough to escape the trauma, which resulted in death.

It is believed, i am afraid, the old saying of Dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori has brought them into a world of an old lie to fight for the glory of the country. I have always thought to abolish that rule, however I feel that there will be internal rebellion by the ministers. I stood there in guilt, not knowing what to do. '

I feel at a loss, hearing the outcome of these brave soldiers have deeply scarred me for life. As a king, I might be saying that there is no need to worry, for that matter of sacrifice is a trivial matter. But is that really so? No. Everyone is equally important and have freedom of choice to choose whether to sacrifice their lives or not. I can do nothing, for there are generations and generations of that old lie, is it beneficial in the first place? I do not know. I am sandwiched in between choosing to abolish something so minor yet it has such a big impact on us. Can I then not worry? No! I have to think of a way to stop sacrificing the soldiers and give them better options to fight for the country or not.

To think, just for the glory of our country, my soldier has gone into a trap of the poisonous gas. Coughing, choking, at the verge of death rings at my ears, making me feel even more worse. How could I ever forgive myself? Yes, war is something that every country have to face, but to the extent of sacrificing human lives, is that even humane? Maybe to other conquerers, but not me. That soldier in fact, was my trusted aide, who have fought in many of the battles. To fight for our country. He is a great old pal of mine, for without him, I am not able to fight the battle between both countries alone. He was a friend, a good soldier, a good pal. I miss the moments that we spent together, drinking wine and playing poker cards. Even if his death was with honour and his family were to forgive me, It is still not enough, or should I say never enough to compensate them in exchange of a human life.

Here is a message to you, my dear friend.
" I have always treated you as a pal, nevertheless you have served our country with pride and always did your best to fight in the battles. I sure miss you, my friend. There will no longer be someone who could replace you in our drinking sessions or even the times of poker cards. I honour for your contributions towards the country, for you have done lots of things for me and the nation. Thank you, for always staying by my side and helping me with offical state matters whenever possible and also going out to the battlefields bravely to fight. I will always remember you. "

I have lost a great friend.

Yours truly,
The King