Ten Thousand Poppies

SONNET FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

Ten thousand poppies of the deepest red

Adorn the wreathes that are in tribute laid,

In honour of the brave and glorious dead,

The memories of whom will never fade.

A million silent prayers hang on our breath,

As we remember those whose sacrifice

That we might live, meant they must suffer death

To mark which, words alone cannot suffice.

A hundred million tears have now been spilt,

By those who loved the fallen heroes best,

But love, unlike the poppy, will not wilt,

And now enshrouds those warriors laid to rest.

Ten thousand poppies – laid with love and pride

For all the valiant souls who fought and died.

Maggie Smart