Why Wear A Poppy?

"Please buy a poppy" the lady said
And smiled at me, but I shook my head
Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there
Her face was old and lined with care.

But underneath those wrinkles the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.
A lad came whistling down the street
Bouncing along on carefree feet.

His smile was full of joy and fun
"Hello Missis" he said "Can I have one?"
She pinned it on and 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 here is a symbol for
Those gallant young men who went to war.

And because they did, you and I are free
That is why we all wear a poppy you see.
I once 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 only stayed for a little while
When war broke out he went away
I still remember his face that day

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 we could do was wait and pray

His letters told of the awful fight
I read them still in my dreams at night
With the tanks and trenches and cruel barbed wire
And the mines and the bullets, the bombs and the fire

Until at last the war was won
And that's why we wear a poppy son"
The young lad turned as if to go
And said "Thanks Missis, I'm glad to know"

I shrank away in a sort of 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 - and thousands paid

And so when we see a poppy worn
Let us reflect on the burden borne
By those who gave their very all
When asked to answer their country's call
When we at home in peace might live
Then wear that poppy - remember and give