Remembrance Day Poem - The Cost of a Poppy

The Cost of a Poppy

“How much does a poppy cost?”

I innocently asked my Dad.

I wanted one,

In much the same way

That I desired a piece of toffee

Or a licorice stick,

Or a square of chocolate.

I was too young

To know the price

And sacred value

Of a precious poppy.

I greedily wanted one,

To wear it like a sheriff’s badge

And show it off with childish pride.

I had no idea

Of what war was,

Or how it painfully wrecked

The love and lives

Of young men and women.

All I knew then

Was that a lady

Was selling poppies

In the street

To all who passed.

I stamped my foot

And raised my voice.

“I want a poppy!

How much does it cost?”

I tearfully raged

At my embarrassed Dad.

Then the Lady smiled

And graciously bent down,

Pinning a poppy,

Like a medal

To my chest.

She wiped away

My furious tears

And quietly said,

“How much does

A Poppy cost?

A life is given,

But never lost.”

©John Stuart

For 11-11-11