WHY WEAR A POPPY

“Please wear a poppy”, the lady said
And held one out, 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 lines 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”, he said, “Can I have one?”
When she pinned it on he turned to say,
“Why do we wear a poppy today?”

The lady smiled in a wistful way,
And answered “This is 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 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 to be with us such a short 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 see it still in my dreams at night)
With tanks and guns
And the cruel barbed wire,
And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.

Till at last, at last, the war was won,
“So 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 really did sound an awful fight,
But, your son, did he come back alright?”

A tear rolled down the faded cheek:
She shook her head but could not speak
I slunk away, feeling sick with shame,
And if you’d been me, you’d have done the same.
For our thanks, in giving, is oft delayed,
Though our freedom was bought – and thousands paid

And so when you see a poppy worn,
Try to think of the heavy burden borne
By those who gave their very all,
When asked to respond to their country’s call:
That we at home, in peace might live.
So wear a Poppy! Remember! Give!