Remembrance Sunday

Lest We Forget

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 shed 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.