[SeaN]

wow. Great work. In the first two paragraphs, I had trouble finding the flow of the piece- the style throughout is unique in a way. It almost felt like the information was flying too fast to really absorb. Beginning with the personification of the cannons, though, the pictures became quite vivid and frightening. There were three points that I found very powerful; the first being the aforementioned personification.

The second point (gave me chills), was your introduction of the idea of 'humor' on the battlefield. There is allot under the surface here I think. The way the narrator (be it you or your grandfather) was able to find so much meaning from one remark, and weave it into a political and sociological analogy, I found quite well done. Laughter is actually a primitive defense mechanism- so there is no shame in this. More so, it reflects and amplifies the intensity of the experience.

The third, or course, is the re-occurring idea of 'counting' ones limbs as a means of self-preservation. The title was what drew me to the piece, and I was not disappointed with how it was integrated into the story. It is really a frightening thought. The 'matter-of-fact' way in which this inventory was taken, added allot to the work.

Final paragraph; two thumbs up. Really emotional, tied in all the major ideas, and added a personal touch. Nice work- thanks for to you and your grandfather for sharing it! (you should show it too him!)