Poppies Poem by Don Pearson

(For Liam O’Neill and in memory of my grandparents)

The poppy’s capsule oozes juice
That brings us sleep, helps ease our pain.
On one more continent the seeds
Are mixed with dust and blood as we
Forget that we must not forget.

The poppies bloom, their beauty fades,
Their petals scatter on the ground
In Flanders or in Afghan fields.
While poppies weep their latex tears,
We plant our flowers once again.

6th July 2010