Poppies

This is one of those that means more to me than I can paint....

Poppies

 

The true colour of venous blood

 

Sun dried tomatoes

 

Red chilli and sun-set skies

 

Poppies

 

Remind me always of

Victorian rouge

Fire engines post boxes and children’s toys

 

Poppies

 

Are always there when I close my eyes

Perfectly juxtaposed against

Children in pushchairs and widowed wives

 

Poppies

 

Pinned to the chests of so many survivors

Veterans and additional like-wisers

 

Purposely included here lest we forget

Are the cynics and of course the do-gooders

 

Each reflected in the shimmer and the glare from Whitewashed graves

Always remembered

 

What else is there to say

Unlike the Somme Passchendaele or Ypres

Let there always be another day

Author's Note

Say it like you see it, go on I double dare ya

Reviews

[W. Barrett Munn]

So far, from what I've ready I'd say your poetry is outstanding. Less is more. I read a great quote from a poet in the UK who said that a poem is a meeting between poet and reader and each brings something to create his own understanding.

You seem to know this instinctually; I am trying to learn it. I here I am, having gone on too long again.

[Neville]

You are far too kind .. thank you though my friend .. N

[andrew mitchell]

Hats off to all those who sacrificed their lives so we could have a better safe life. Nice write Nev

[Neville]

...thank you andrew, my sentiment entirely sir ... N

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Neville, you out did yourself on this poem! It remined me of flowers blowing in the breeze, and also for veteran's who never returned home! Beautifully done!

[Neville]

You are way too kind KATHY SUE SILLS .. but do ya hear me complaining .. Nah of course not .. Many HUGE and serious thanks my friend .... Neville

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Love reading your work!

[Neville]

how very kind KATHY and much appreciated too my friend :)

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

My friend, you are welcome!

[Ken Simm.]

Excellent piece Neville. Trains my thoughts along lines of experience. I can see again those white stones set against a perfect green background.
I also like the way you take me through all those visuals before hitting me right there with those final thoughts.
I always thought that line 'At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them' was a transcendent piece of poetry.

[Neville]

You are far too generous my Friend but I thank you for it and true.......... Neville

[emmajoy]

Except for the glorious swathes of poppies about cereal crops, bending with the breeze.. we see them on road verges or where the ground's been dug and thrust from strata laid still for years..

Poppies are like thoughts and dreams.. they lay hidden for this or that amount of years til something.. anything drwas them into the mind, to wonder at, to weep about.. or , whatevr.

Your poem suggests that to me.. though know full well how they represent the fallen heroes who never came home. Sighhh.. Wnderful words.

[Neville]

As much as your words hit home and true, I defy anyone to doubt their sincerity and which i hope and intend to share for my entirety.......Neville

[emmajoy]

Re-reading.. these words are more than special.

[Frieda P]

I love poppies, you did them justice, nice tribute too, didn't get the last stanza, but nonetheless enjoyed your striking imagery, nicely pen'd Neville.

[Neville]

Hey Frieda P - Thanks for stopping by & considering 'Poppies' your visit is much appreciated - The Somme, Passchendaele and Ypres are arguably three of the most bloody battles of the Great War of 1914 -1918 - If you love poppies and ever get the chance, you should visit both France & Belgium and the massive war graves there... All Good Things, Neville

[Lydia Shutter]

I think this is a very good tribute to veterans of WWI. You have expressed yourself well and the colorful imagery is a big plus at the beginning of this write. Ypres is a good place to visit. I have been there. It is in the part of Belgium where Flemish is spoken...which is very similar to Dutch so I enjoyed it. LydI**

[Neville]

So good to hear my Friend. Bless you, N

[Lyn Anderson]

I think it is a very sharp, clear, commentary - even the cynics and do-gooders are allowed their say thanks to those who sacrificed. I am confused about Ypers - but that is probably just me not up on my history.

[Neville]

My entire family & I plan to be at the 100 year anniversary later this year - 'The Menin Gate' Ypres Belgium, Google it... an incredible place & thank you for reading this one my friend