“Please wear a poppy,” the lady said
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And held one forth, 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 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,” he said, “May I have one?”
When she’d pinned it on he turned to say
“Why do we wear a poppy today?”
The lady smiled in her 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, now 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 little 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 to wait and pray.
“His letters told of an awful fight
“(I see it still in my dreams at night)
“With the 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 sure did sound like an awful fight.
“But your son, did he come back alright?”
A tear rolled down the faded cheek,
She shook her head, but did not speak.
I slunk away sick with shame,
And if you’d been me you’d have done the same.
For our thanks, in giving, is oft delayed.
Through our freedom was bought and thousands paid.
And so when you see a poppy worn
Try to think of the 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 and give
South West London Branch of Burma Star Association