PLEASE WEAR A POPPY

by Don Crawford

"Please wear a poppy," the lady said
  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 care-free feet.
  His smile was full of joy and fun,
  "Lady," said he, "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, 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 learned and grew
  and became a man - as you will, too."

  "He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile,
  But he'd seemed with us such a little while
  When war broke out and he went away.
  I still remember his face that day
  When he smiled at me and said, Goodbye,
  I'll be back soon, Mom, so please don't cry."

  "But the war went on and he had to stay,
  And all I could do was wait and pray.
  His letters told of the awful fight,
  (I can see it still in my dreams at night),
  With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,
  And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire."

  "Till at last, at last, the war was won -
  And 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 all right?"

  A tear rolled down each faded check;
  She shook her head, but didn't speak.
  I slunk away in a sort of shame,
  And if you were me you'd have done the same;
  For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed,
  Thought 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
  That we at home in peace might live.
  Then wear a poppy! Remember - and give!