A Blaze Of Poppies Poem by Deanna Samuels

As October rolls on and slowly comes to an end
a poppy pin is noticed in a few lapels.
With November's entrance a growing harvest seen,
almost every coat or jacket holds the red flower pin
in readiness for its culmination, its meaning -
Remembrance Day, November 11th
when hundreds of thousands, millions of people
give homage, pay their respects to those fallen,
fought in past wars, gave the ultimate sacrifice
of their precious lives to keep those at home safe.

The World over, countries hold ceremonies,
ceremonies of remembrance, honoring their brave.
The citizens gather together whether from
major cities, towns, villages or hamlets,
surround their cenotaph or simple monument,
usually placed in a most prominent position,
stand quietly by their memorial in homage,
all, all with the same gesture of remembering,
remembering those lost through enemy action.

At precisely 11 am on any 11th November,
hushed quietness descends upon the gathering.
A two-minute silence ensues, the opportunity
for all in attendance to think of those lost in past war.
The two minutes silence often concludes with gun fire.
A memorial service begins with words of comfort
from clergy, politicians and other local dignitaries.
The solemnity of the 'Reveille' and 'The Last Post'
played by a lone bugler wrenches the soul.

The poppy wreath laying ceremony commences,
firstly, the most notable ranks lay down theirs,
some against the cenotaph or memorial, bow heads,
others, with large elaborate wreathes, place on stands.
Gradually, the base of the monument is covered over,
has become a blaze of poppies, blood red
a moment again to reflect the countless lives lost.

The official service concludes, the dignitaries depart,
it is the moment for those in the gathered crowd
to make their own personal gesture, taking their
single poppy pin from lapel, placing by monument,
standing, standing for a moment of remembrance.
Quietly, the crowds break away, going about
their own lives and events for conclusion of day.
But just for that solemn time, just for an hour or so,
all wore their red poppy pins, were altogether as one.


Written at Richmond Hill, Ontario - 2nd April 2025