The author starts by saying where they are and the conditions surrounding them. The soldiers are on the Western Front, where the "earth booms and heavy fire is falling on them." This is very traumatizing, so every time they look at each other if they have been hit. They are aware of this situation, but some new soldiers with not enough experience will vomit and turn green.

The bombardment doesn't stop, and they hope that they won't be next. The noise is so loud they the sound of the soldiers when they speak is not understood. Their trench is like they home. That is where they eat and sleep. In the morning while the sun is still way, there is some excitement. "Everyone yells and curses and...