Signs of spring

The first sign of spring;
the snowdrops.
Maybe not; but it’s a sure sign
spring is on its way.

The second; the crocus,
or maybe the daffodil.
A sign that life is gaining pace.
A sense of expectation in the air.

The third sign of spring;
the lighter mornings.
The sun’s rays reach dreamily
through beckoning windows.

The fourth – the lighter evenings.
The fifth – the uplift.
Anticipation grows.
Things are getting better.

The sixth sign of spring,
the poppy.
They threaten to take over.
I’d let them.

A reminder of the killing fields,
of World War 1.
First flower to grow,
after the horror of war.

Immortalised in the poem –
In Flanders Field.
Where men did their duty,
for king and country.

Laid down their lives.
Like lambs to the slaughter.
So you could live yours.

Only for the world
to be torn apart,
once again.
What a waste.

Perhaps we should all take a leaf
out of the corn poppy.
Remember the fear; the sorrow.
The degradation these men suffered.
They carried the burden.

Like lambs to the slaughter.
These men went.
So you and me; our children
Could be free from tranny.

They don’t want you to say thank you.
These men want you to live your life.
The poppies remind us to act with
compassion. With purity of mind.

They remind us to help the less privileged.
That love not hate be the default.
Generosity not greed.
If only this were the case.

Perhaps by reminding ourselves
of the narrative of the poppy.
The courage of the many,
we could all just be, a bit nicer to each other.