Why are they selling poppies, Mummy?
Selling poppies in town today.
The poppies, child, are flowers of love.
For the men who marched away.
But why have they chosen a poppy, Mummy?
Why not a beautiful rose?
Because my child, men fought and died
In the fields where the poppies grow.
But why are the poppies so red, Mummy?
Why are the poppies so red?
Red is the colour of blood, my child.
The blood that our soldiers shed.
The heart of the poppy is black, Mummy.
Why does it have to be black?
Black, my child, is the symbol of grief.
For the men who never came back.
But why, Mummy are you crying so?
Your tears are giving you pain.
My tears are my fears for you my child.
For the world is forgetting again.
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Author:
Goldfinch60 (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: November 11th, 2022 02:01
- Comment from author about the poem: This is not one of my poems, I came across it a few years ago, the author is unknown but it is so meaningful.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 15
- User favorite of this poem: L. B. Mek.
Offline)
Comments6
Great poem - great choice, Andy.
I'm declaring an armistice on return verse for today.
However, on second thoughts, a quote I've used here before:
Linger not, stranger; shed no tear.
Go back to those who sent us here.
We are the young they drafted out
To wars their folly brought about.
Go tell those old men, safe in bed,
We took their orders and are dead.
A.D. Hope:
Inscription for War.
A fine write Gold.
Now Dave wants me to declare a permanent Armistice on my singing - I guess! You too?
Never said that, orchi - I bought a pair of noise cancelling earphones.
There must be a reason why the poppy was my childhood favourite flower. And how we remember, lest we forget. Thanks for sharing Andy.
sharing great poetry that illuminates
as it delights, is a great service to our collective worth
the day we forget our 11'11'11s or other memorial days
is the day we accept, humanity has lost the ability
to love and sympathise with each other..
(thank you Andy!)
A beautiful find, Andy.
Agree the wording is unforgettable and very meaningful. The choice of "Only Remember" is so apt.
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