"Please wear a poppy," the lady said,
And held one forth, but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,
And her face was old and lined with care
But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came down the street,
Bouncing along on care-free feet.
His smile was full of joy and fun.
"Lady," said he "May I have one?"
When she pinned it on he turned to say,
"Why do I wear a poppy today?"

The lady smiled in her wistful way,
And answered, "This is Remembrance Day.
And the poppy there is the symbol for
The gallant men who died in war.
And because they did, you and I are free
That's why we wear a poppy you see.

I had a boy about your size
With golden hair and big blue eyes.
He loved to play and jump and shout,
Free as a bird he would race about.
As the years went by - he learned and grew,
And became a man - as you will too.

He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile
But he'd seemed with us such a little while
When the war broken out and he went away,
I still remember his face that day,
When he smiled at me and said, "Good -bye.
I'll be back soon, Mom, please don't cry".

"But the war went on and he had to stay,
And all I could do was to wait and pray.
His letter told of his terrible fight,
(I can still see it in my dreams at night)
With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire.
And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire".

"Till at last, at last, the war was won -
And that's why we wear a poppy, son".
The small boy turned as if to go,
Then said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know.
That did sound like an awful fight,
But your son - did he come back all right?"

A tear rolled down each faded cheek.
She shook her head, but didn't speak.
I slunk away in a sort of shame,
And if you were me, you would have done the same,
For thanks in giving is often delayed,
Though our freedom was bought - and
Thousands paid!

And so when we see a poppy worn,
Let us reflect on the burden borne
By those who gave their very all,
When asked to answer their country's call
That we at home in peace might live.
Then wear a poppy! Remember and give.

( Không rõ tác giả )