Farewell

According to the new order we were to go to the Akbaş seaport in five days and then cross over to Anatolia by ferry. I have to be in the trench, encountering the enemy. Because I want to fight, to battle. Both me and my enemy should realize who I am … Maydos [Eceabat]… What a mourning view did this small and pretty town now offer. Almost all buildings have been destroyed, burned by the bullets of the enemy. The evening prayer has been held just by my side. I listened to it, standing there in awe. They had such a lovely harmony, these devout voices. … By the wisdom of God, while listening I feel like cold water is poured into my heart…. When we climbed up to the slope in line to the valley, some new graves took my attention at the left. Most of them didn’t have any marks on them. A tree branch were put onto some of them, and two or three had broken planks on it. Now, I’m thinking. If I become a martyr, will they bury me just like this under some bold trees with some pale leaves, and leave. We went into the battle. Millions of cannons and guns burst… Now, my First Corporal has been wounded… Farewell...