Road To War

31st December

ON the way to church, i decided that all of my prayers were going to be for Papa. The weather's atrocious at the front. Men suffer the worst conditions imaginable in their trenches, everyone says. They.re constantly standing in the icy water and thick mud. I'm frightened for Papa, but also scared that when he comes home, his ship might be sunk by an evil German U-boat, gliding through the sea beneath them.

Before we went in, the vicar sought me out and said i neeedn't sing in the choir today if i didn't want to, in view of my warries.

"I can't let them down," I said. "I shall sing."

"But Miss Rowntree," he said,"we'll manage perfectly well. You shouldn't take on to much."

"I insist," I said, and took my place. Behind me, I heard him heave a heavy sigh. I know why. It's my voice. Even I am aware it's pretty awful-much too loud-but i do love to sing.

I prayed so hard for Papa during silent prayer that I didn't notice when the rest of the choir stood. You'd think someone might have nudged me!

I love being in the choir. The other members are mainly from the village, and tend to stick together, but i don't mined being the odd one out. Truley I don't. I just love to sing out with all my heart!