Our poet today Simon Haines continues the theme of remembrance, still wearing his poppy. It is Day 709 of the daily poems.
11 November
We wear poppies in remembrance of those who have died
fighting for their countries in wars worldwide.
Soldiers and their officers on perilous missions
sent out to fight by politicians,
who need to quench their macho pride
by proving themselves the stronger side.
Our poppies demand that all wars cease.
Red, white or black – all stand for peace.
Poppies recall and keep clear in our mind
the limbless, the gassed, the maimed and the blind,
the shell-shocked young men who were shot for desertion,
or patched up and sent back – such brutal coercion.
And others who suffered because of the war,
children evacuated who were not all cared for,
blameless aliens behind enemy lines,
put behind bars though not guilty of crimes,
conscientious objectors who refused to fight,
despised for claiming a human right.
Our poppies demand that all wars cease.
Red, white or black – all stand for peace.
Simon Haines