Why Weeps The Willow

by Brian W. Taylor

As the bitter whine of machine-gun bullets whistled past us, I saw Hopkins slowly crumple and fall. "Run!" But who amongst them needed that order; as in zigzag line we fled for the shelter of our trenches? Bisnall, slightly ahead of me, stumbled suddenly and I was forced into a desperate leap in order to clear his body. Thomas had represented Wales as a sprinter in saner times and was in the trench far ahead of me, dropping down and turning to join in the shouts of encouragement from the ranks lined along the parapet as I sped to join them. I needed no such encouragement. With a surge of energy I launched myself into a last desperate leap to join him in safety. It was then that the shell landed. I remember the searing heat of that sudden blast. I remember the look of surprise on the face of Thomas as he disintegrated before my eyes. Then only the darkness remained.

274 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012