"Destined Minds"

WILD POPPY

nodding buds, crumpling petals
capsules that dehisce through terminal pores
how we remember thee

your vivacious bloom that sticks
its head above the field vulnerable
sacrificed and heed the call to set us free

vivid red of blood soaking ground
power to move and inspire
lie helpless dying

rich soil, costly to cultivate
hands clutching at the ground
grow quieter the whispers and sighing

artillary shell and shrapnel
all around it flew
incapciatated and bereft

and now all that's left are the
widows and childless mothers
crying on the doorsteps and simply left

Maree Long
(c) Maree Long April 2010

Dedicated to the men and women, mothers and fathers
brothers and sisters husbands and wives that
sacrifice their all...