A Poppy is to Remember

“Please wear a poppy”, the lady said

And held one forth, but I shook my head.

Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there.

And her face was old and lined with care, but beneath the
scars the years had made

There remained smiles that refuse to fade

.A boy came whistling down the street,

Bouncing along on carefree feet;

His smile was full of joy and fun

“Lady” said he, “May I have one?”

When she pinned it on he turned to say,

“Why do we wear a poppy today?”

The lady smiled in her wistful way

And answered, “This is for Remembrance Day.

And the poppy there, is the symbol for

The gallant men who died in war,

And because they did, you and I are free

That’s why we wear a poppy you see.”

“I had a boy about your age

With golden hair and big blue eyes. He loved to play and
jump and shout

Free as ca bird he would race about,

As the years went by he learned and grew

And became a man – as you will, too.

“He was fine and strong with a boyish smile

But he seemed with us such a little while.

When war broke out, he went away –

I still remember his face that day.

When he smiled at me and said goodbye.

I’ll be back soon, Mum, so please don’t cry!”

But the war went on and he had to stay

And all I could do was wait and pray.

His letters told of the awful fight –

I can still see it, in my dreams at night,

With the tanks and the guns and cruel barbed wire, and the mines and the bullets, the bombs and the fire.”

 “Till at last, at last, the war was won –

and that’s why we wear a poppy son.”

the small turned as if to go then said

“Thanks lady, I’m glad to know,

that sure did sound like an awful fight,

but your son – did he come home all right?”

A tear rolled down each faded cheek,

She shook her head, but she didn’t speak

I slunk away in a sort of shame

And if you were me, you’d do the same.

For our thanks, in giving, is oft delayed

Though our freedom was bought, and thousands paid.

So when we see a poppy worn,

Let us reflect on the burden borne

By those who give their very all

When asked to answer their country’s call

That we at home in peace might live,

Then wear a poppy. Remember – and give