~
in a good year for poppies
I step carefully through the
blood red hearts fluttering
in silent multitude,
singularly fragile, as a host
a shimmering jollity, belying
their tragic associations,
each slender stalk
sturdy as any soldier,
each bloom chattering
soft words of tenderness sent
in wrinkled love letters,
they stand to face any foe
brave fearless hearts
unbowed resilient
casualties of the battle
*
© Graham R Sherwood 06/23
grahamrichardsherwood.co.uk 