All Nonfiction
- Bullying
- Books
- Academic
- Author Interviews
- Celebrity interviews
- College Articles
- College Essays
- Educator of the Year
- Heroes
- Interviews
- Memoir
- Personal Experience
- Sports
- Travel & Culture
All Opinions
- Bullying
- Current Events / Politics
- Discrimination
- Drugs / Alcohol / Smoking
- Entertainment / Celebrities
- Environment
- Love / Relationships
- Movies / Music / TV
- Pop Culture / Trends
- School / College
- Social Issues / Civics
- Spirituality / Religion
- Sports / Hobbies
All Hot Topics
- Bullying
- Community Service
- Environment
- Health
- Letters to the Editor
- Pride & Prejudice
- What Matters
- Back
Summer Guide
- Program Links
- Program Reviews
- Back
College Guide
- College Links
- College Reviews
- College Essays
- College Articles
- Back
Letters From Walter
1908, Age 12
Dear Mother,
I am going fishing with the boys. I will be back soon.
It’s just that perch are best caught before dawn. I’ll be back
Tomorrow, or the day after, or the day after that—
I’ll be back with loads and loads of fish. Don’t worry, Mother.
I will be back soon.
Love,
Walter
1910, Age 14
Dear Mother,
I am going riding with the boys. I will be back soon.
It’s just that the breeze is coolest at sunrise. I know I
Nearly drowned last time, but don’t worry—
I’ll be back with fresh cheeks and light feet. Don’t worry, Mother.
I will be back soon.
Love,
Walter
1912, Age 16
Dear Mother,
I am going hunting with the boys. I will be back soon.
It’s just that rabbits are best caught at dusk. I know I
Broke a leg last time, but don’t worry—
I’ll be back with a wolfskin for the hearth. Don’t worry, Mother.
I will be back soon.
Love,
Walter
1914, Age 18
Dear Mother,
I am going combat with the boys. I will be back soon.
It’s just that war is won faster with more soldiers. I know I
Got wolf-bitten last time, but don’t worry—
I’ll be back with a badge on my chest. Don’t worry, Mother.
I will be back s—
Similar Articles
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
This article has 3 comments.