Lest we forget
By lijemc
12 comments
A poem for remembrance day
“Please wear a poppy”, the old lady said
And held one forth, but I shook my head
Then I stopped and watched, to see how she’d fare
Her face was old, and lined with care,
Yet beneath the scars, the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.
A boy came whistling down the street
Bounding along on his carefree feet
His smile was full of joy and fun
“Lady” he said, “can I have one?
As she pinned it on I heard him say
“Why do we wear the poppy today?”
The lady smiled in her wistful way
And answered “this is remembrance day”
“The poppy is the symbol for the, The gallant men and women who died in the war”.
“And because they did we are free, that’s why we wear the 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 learnt and grew, and became a man as you will to”,
He was fine and strong with a boyish smile,
But he seemed to be with us a such a short while
When the War broke out he went away
I can still remember his face that day
When he smiled at me and said goodbye
“I will be back soon, 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 an awful fight
I can see it still in my dreams at night
With the tanks and guns and the cruel barb wire
And the mines and bullets, the bombs and the fire
Until at last the War was won
And that is why we wear the poppy son
The small boy turned as if to go
Then stopped and said “Thank you lady, I’m glad I 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 didn’t speak.
I slunk away, head bowed in shame,
And if you were me, you’d have done the same,
For our thanks in giving is often delayed
Though our freedom was bought by the legions who paid.
And so, when you see a poppy worn
Let us reflect on the burden borne
By those who gave their precious all
When asked to answer their countries call
That we at home, in peace may live
Then wear a poppy, remember, and give.
10 Nov, 2013
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Comments
I wore mine too. We had a lovely arrangement of white flowers and red poppies today in chapel - beautiful. I don't understand the current blogs (not on here) rubbishing the wearing of poppies. Even if some people see them as glorifying war the fact remains that all those splendid young men died horrible deaths and deserve our respect and memory. At the going down of the sun and in the morning - we will remember them.
10 Nov, 2013
They should go to a local war memorial or watch the tv, last night and today
For our tomororrow
They gave their today
And still do so......
10 Nov, 2013
Well said Pam.My Dad's dad was lost at sea when he was 8.
So I did not know my Granddad.
10 Nov, 2013
A very lovely verse and I soaked up every line.
The purchase of a poppy is the least we can do isn't it? A step in the right direction though.
10 Nov, 2013
It brought tears to my eyes as well Scotkat and brought home why we should never ever forget.
Poppies are such a small way in which we can all show that we do remember all the brave men and women in whatever war they fought in (or are still fighting in), so I don't understand either Steragram.
Well said Pamg.
10 Nov, 2013
I agree Wildrose. It is the least we can do.
10 Nov, 2013
I wear mine with pride too..an Uncle lost his leg on the beaches of France,at 19 years old..and I found out last year, that my Grandfather lost a younger brother,who was not long married with a new baby..his name is on the war memorial in the village where we lived, and we never even knew he existed ! He was buried in France..That really hit home,for our family..so yes,we must always remember them..
10 Nov, 2013
Thankyou for this lovely poem. I haven't come across it before & yes it brought a tear to my eye. I certainly wore my poppy & went to a memorial service at the local cenotaph. Fortunately it was a lovely day,( we've had a lot of rain lately). I have someone I personally like to remember, but think of all the others who served also & paid the ultimate price.
11 Nov, 2013
Well, that poem I must copy and keep in mind and heart. Yes, we all wore our Poppies with pride here and this year went out to attend the open Service in our town centre. My lad's a Marine Cadet and he with the Sea Cadets, High Wycombe and all the services representing various parts of the military in Bucks looked very polished and proud as they marched in honour of our service men and women who had given their lives for our country. The Royal British Legion do a fantastic job at keeping the memories and poppies alive. I personally could never walk away from a Poppy seller as my late parents always taught us to give and wear one every single year. It is a good cause to support.
13 Nov, 2013
Wonderful poem .. thank you ...
14 Nov, 2013
What a Great Poem. Thanks for putting it on here for all to see :O)))
21 Nov, 2013
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Thankyou Lijemc and yes I have my poppy and wear with pride.
And I think we all should have fields of poppies like flanders.
I have a tear in my eye.
10 Nov, 2013