The Long Hallway of Pictures
I saw these pictures years ago, and they still haunt me.2 total reviews
Comment from phill doran
Hello Anon,
This is a very well written and honest piece - the high rating is for the honesty, just as much as the retelling.
You cannot unhappen the past, as you say, but you could use what you know to change the future - at every opportunity, whenever the subject is raised, tell the truth: there are no good guys or bad guys, just guys (and these days gals too). And ultimately should they die, although the manner may change, the result does not.
I do not envy your your memories, and I should imagine it is just as cutting for you to hear or read of those who glory in the myth, and perhaps who never have to face the reality.
You do not have to change the world, but you know enough to change one mind. That is power.
I wish you well with your continued writing. Thank you for sharing this.
cheers
phill
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2022
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Hello Anon,
This is a very well written and honest piece - the high rating is for the honesty, just as much as the retelling.
You cannot unhappen the past, as you say, but you could use what you know to change the future - at every opportunity, whenever the subject is raised, tell the truth: there are no good guys or bad guys, just guys (and these days gals too). And ultimately should they die, although the manner may change, the result does not.
I do not envy your your memories, and I should imagine it is just as cutting for you to hear or read of those who glory in the myth, and perhaps who never have to face the reality.
You do not have to change the world, but you know enough to change one mind. That is power.
I wish you well with your continued writing. Thank you for sharing this.
cheers
phill
Comment Written 21-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2022
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Thank you for sharing the depth of this review and thank you for the very generous rating.
Comment from Fleedleflump
I have a friend who trained in the army but never finished due to injury. The most interesting recollection he has was of being told repeatedly to look for humour in situations such as his squad mates being killed. They were taught to laugh at their own losses - ultimately, to stave off mental consequences until after the battle. Still, understanding why didn't make it any less disturbing. Your piece put me in mind of that. Very well written.
One spag:
'they revealed far too much of what was really entails' - 'was' should be 'war'
Mike
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2022
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I have a friend who trained in the army but never finished due to injury. The most interesting recollection he has was of being told repeatedly to look for humour in situations such as his squad mates being killed. They were taught to laugh at their own losses - ultimately, to stave off mental consequences until after the battle. Still, understanding why didn't make it any less disturbing. Your piece put me in mind of that. Very well written.
One spag:
'they revealed far too much of what was really entails' - 'was' should be 'war'
Mike
Comment Written 21-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2022
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Thank you for your kind review and helpful observation. I have made the typo change. Thank you for pointing that one out to me.
