04/11/2024
Please buy a Poppy, the lady said,
And held one out, but I shook my head.
I stopped and watched her standing there,
Her face was old and lined with wear,
`Beneath the scars, the years had made,
Remained a smile that did not fade.
A boy came whistling down the street
Bouncing along on carefree feet.
His smile was full of joy and fun,
“Lady” said he, can I have one.
She pinned it on and he turned to say
Why do we wear a Poppy today?
The lady smiled without a flaw,
“For all the boys who died in war.
Because they did, we are free
So we wear this Poppy, you see.”
I had a boy about your size
With golden hair and big blue eyes,
He loved to play and jump and shout
Free as a bird, he would race about.
The years went by, he learnt and grew,
As, in time, you will too!
When war broke out, he went away,
All I could do was wait and pray.
His letters told of the awful fight,
Which, I can see, in dreams at night.
Tanks and bombs and cruel barbed wire,
Bullets and mines, screams and fire.
The fields were gone, the land all bare,
Yet seedlings spouted from their lair.
The Poppy grew and flowered red,
And breathed sweet perfume upon the dead.
The soldiers saw this sight with awe
Which gave them strength to fight the war.
Until at last, the war was won,
“That’s why we wear a Poppy, son ".
“The small boy turned as if to go,
Thanks Lady", I’m so glad to know,
That sure did sound an awful fight
Was your son safe, and so alright.
She shook her head but didn't speak
A tear rolled down each faded cheek,
I slunk away, so full of shame,
If you were me, you'd do the same.
Our thanks in giving is oft delayed,
Our freedom bought and thousands paid.
So when you see a Poppy worn,
Reflect upon the burden borne.
By those who gave their very all
When asked to answer, Country's call.
So buy a Poppy for all who died,
And show it clearly with great pride
