"Please wear a poppy" the lady said
and held one forth, but I shook my head
Then I stopped and watched as she offer
them there
And her face was old and lined with care
But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused 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.
The lady smiled in her wistful way
and answered, This is Remembrance Day
And the poppy there, is the symbol for
The gallent 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 size
With golden hair and big blue eyes
He loved to play and
jump and shout
Free as a 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 and he went away
I still remember his face that day
When he smiled and said "Goodbye"
I'll be back soon Mum, so please don't cry.
But the war went on and he had to stay
All I could do was wait and pray
His letters told of the awful flight
(I can still see it in my dreams at night)
With tanks and guns and cruel
barbed wire
And the mines and the bullets the bombs
and fire
Till at last, at last, the war was won
And that's why we wear a poppy son
The small boy 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 alright
A tear rolled down each faded cheek
She shook her head, but didn't speak
I sunk away in a sort of shame
For our thanks, in giving if often 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
gave their very all
When asked to answer the country's call
That we at home in peace might live
Then wear a poppy, Remember - and give.
Anon