remembrance day

Poppies, a villanelle

The poppies grow where blood once fell;

Scarlet, their coats in brave array,

Remind us of those years of hell.

o

Ravaged the scene, where once did dwell

The peaceful farmer day by day;

The poppies grow where blood once fell.

o

Ravaged and torn by shot and shell;

A landscape torn in shades of grey

Remind us of those years of hell

o

And in the church the single bell

Tolling the cost of this affray;

The poppies grow where blood once fell.

o

In hope, for a better world they sell

Young lives, a bitter price to pay;

Remind us of those years of hell.

o

For those too numerous to tell

Respect for sacrifice this day;

The poppies grow where blood once fell

Reminding of those years of hell.