Do you hear me, God?

Do you hear me, God?

Never before in my life have I spoken to you, but today I want to greet you. You know that since I was a child, they said that you didn't exist... And I was foolish enough to believe them.

Never before have I realized the beauty of your creation. Today only I discovered this beauty, when suddenly an abyss opened. Above me, a sky filled with stars. Amazed, I saw how they twinkled. How could I have been. so cruelly deceived!

I don't know, Lord, whether you will stretch out your hand to reach me, but for me, I will recognize you, and you will understand.

It's a miracle that in the depth of this terrifying hell, light illuminates me... and that I have been able to see you. I won't tell you anything else, except what a joy it is to know you.

At midnight, we have received the order to attack: but I am not afraid. You are watching us.

Listen, there is the signal. I have to go. Yet, it was so good to be with you.

What I still wanted to say: You know, this combat will be mean. Maybe, tonight I will knock on your door. Even though I never was your friend, will you let me enter, when I come?

But – am I crying? Look what's happening to me! My eyes have opened. Forgive me God.

I am going, and surely I will not come back.

But, o wonder, I am no longer afraid of death.

-found in the pocket of a Soviet soldier killed during World War II
(hat tip to ncccusa.org's Prayers for Peace)