Writing- List Of 10

Today during writing with Mrs Allan we were given a photo of people cheering.

We then had to make a list of 10 places where that could be. I had things like at a rugby match, school cross-country etc. But in the end I decided that my writing would be based around a crowd welcoming soldiers back from war. We could either make a list of phrases about what they people would be doing and saying or could make a piece of writing. I ended up choosing the writing.

Here it is... 

A deafening roar reverberates through the large crowd. Beaming faces, thank and congratulate leering ones. Grimy men traipse down the street, looking utterly defeated. Some give weak smiles in response to the shouts, others stare fixedly at their mud caked boots. Various wounds and illnesses reach most men, making them stagger and splutter. Grey clouds roll over the surrounding mountain ranges. The sea thunders against the cliffs. Gradually the vessel empties. But it still haunts the crestfallen soldiers. Perilous seas and the conditions of war aren’t readily forgotten. Bitter air slices into numb cheeks like knives. The last slouching soldiers make their way off the boat, bundled in their thick, stained coats. A boy pushes through the hundreds of people and extends his arm to the last soldier. Bloodstained bandages wrap his head and he hobbles along, shrapnel dug too deeply into his leg to be removed safely. 

“Welcome back Sir,” he breathes softly, shaking the soldiers rough hands vigorously. The corners of the soldiers' worn mouth tug feebly.

“I don’t believe I’ll ever be welcome after what I’ve seen” he replies sorrowfully. 

He limps along the winding street and vanishes. But the boy was sure he saw a thick tear winding its way down his bristly cheeks before he was swallowed by the darkness.

 -Liana