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The Red Poppy

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A hundred years ago this year saw the end of the first world war.

Over nine million combatants and seven million civilians died in the conflict.

It started on 28th July 1914 and lasted until November 11th 1918.

Poppies that grew on the battlefield became a symbol of remembrance adopted by many nations and are worn by grateful nations on remembrance day.

We will never forget their sacrifice.

The symbol of remembrance is the red poppy When I look upon it, this is what I see, I see courage, sacrifice and extreme bravery See thousands enlisting to defend their country. I see other nationalities, every colour and creed Who came to help England in her hour of need I see water filled trenches with deep mud and rain I see flashes of gunfire and hear the wounded in pain. I see and hear the big guns that sound like thunder I see a Europe at war slowly being torn asunder I see the deadly yellow clouds of dense mustard gas Hear the cries of those poor souls breathing their last. I see the battles that were won and some that were lost I hear the sounds of victory that came at a great cost I see the graves of the fallen who gave us that victory Remembering the sacrifice they made for their country. I feel the pain of the mothers who gave us their sons At wars end feel the peace when they silenced the guns We mourn all those that died and for them we must pray But war is not the answer we must seek a better way. When you wear your poppy always do so with pride Honour two minutes silence for the brave fallen who died. So the next time that you look upon that little red poppy Just pause for a moment and tell me what you see. Written 16th May 2018.

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Duke Beaufort

Date: 2/14/2024 7:27:00 PM

Tom, I was just browsing through some of your work. You have a sense of history, which so many people lack. I think about the soldiers who died in that war and who die in all wars. It's incredible to me that we still haven't learned how to get along with each other in a way that leads to peace. Although it's disheartening. we must never stop trying to find a means to make peace. I think you undertstand this issue very clearly and appreciate that you honor the fallen who gave up everything.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/14/2024 9:54:00 PM

Hi Duke, Thank you, I love history and love to combine the two in my writes. We should never forget the sacrifices our brave servicemen and women make on our behalf. Not on much at the moment, I'm travelling in Turkey. Hope you're well. Tom

Valsa George

Date: 12/23/2022 12:32:00 AM

A great tribute to those heroes, who sacrificed their lives to protect their nation during the world wars. War brings untold misery and loss of lives. To die at a young age has been the fate of many who took part in the war. Let us remember those heroes with gratitude ! Red poppy symbolizes their valor and grit and let us wear this flower with reverence. A poem fueled by great patriotic fervor

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/23/2022 12:35:00 AM

Thank you very much Valsa, so many give their lives to uphold our freedom and to crush evil that raises its ugly head from time to time. We salute them. Tom

Emilia James

Date: 12/8/2020 4:54:00 AM

Powerful and emotional write Tom. I for one will never forget their sacrifice and always honour them. I do think the youths of today do not really understand what they have is because of them. Emilia

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/8/2020 5:06:00 AM

Thank you very much Emilia, I agree, but for them we could have been living under a dictatorship. So many lives lost on both sides and I always ask myself, was it really worth it. Tom

Ann Foster

Date: 10/4/2019 2:42:00 PM

This was an excellent write. A tribute, an honor... lovely. Ann

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/4/2019 10:54:00 PM

Thank you very much Ann, we must never forget those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Tom

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 12/14/2018 10:23:00 PM

Dear Tom, I was so moved by this poem I haven't been able to get it our of my mind. I needed a tissue after reading it. It is going into my Faves! You have honored those Vets who gave their lives beautifully with this poignant poem! Bravo! This is my pick Tom! Happy Holidays to you and your family! : ) xxoo

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/15/2018 6:40:00 AM

Thank you very much Connie, we often take so much for granted not realising the sacrifices that are made by our brave servicemen and women. I wish you happy holidays too and I hope you have a wonderful time. Tom.

Jan Allison

Date: 12/12/2018 2:49:00 PM

No wonder this is one of your personal faves Tom:-) many congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/13/2018 12:46:00 AM

Thanks Jan, I read up a lot on this and the unbelievable horrors' those men and boys went through, some as young as fourteen. We must always honour their great sacrifice. Tom.

P.S. Awtry

Date: 12/12/2018 8:42:00 AM

Tom, this is a special poem. Very moving. Powerful message. Congratulations on your well deserved high honors :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/12/2018 2:18:00 PM

Thank you very much PS, it was based mainly on what I had read about the first world war and the horrific conditions they had to endure. Tom.

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 12/12/2018 4:51:00 AM

I admire the way you pay tribute to the military members who defend our nations. A most worthy tribute, Tom, and it touched my heart. Congratulations on your second-place win! Competition was great and your entry was among the best. Best wishes, Carolyn

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/12/2018 2:14:00 PM

Thank you very much Carolyn, we owe them so much, I was surprised to see the contest close so quickly, thank you for hosting. Tom.

Silent One

Date: 5/26/2018 12:33:00 PM

A wonderful tribute to he poppy my friend, which I feel is misunderstood by many in the UK... the far right does not help in that though...

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/26/2018 1:39:00 PM

Thanks SO, but for the sacrifices that they made the far right and others would not have the freedom to do what they want, but it's down to the likes of us to ensure that the sacrifices made were not in vain. Evil must never overcome us. Tom

Winged Warrior

Date: 5/21/2018 5:35:00 AM

Sacrifice needs recognition...you've done it here my friend...great write Tom...love, light and the poppy...^WW^

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/21/2018 6:29:00 AM

Thank you WW, indeed it does, we should never forget their great sacrifice. Tom

Besma Riabi Dziri

Date: 5/20/2018 6:26:00 AM

A Tribute and a commemoration of pride and recognition to highly valued great souls.. A wonderful Acknowledgement to people of honour who shaped History with blood and bravery! I do appreciate and value your write Tom.. You make of poetry a genuine art serving generations to come.. Thank you for sharing. Stay bright and blessed.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/20/2018 11:30:00 AM

Thank you very much Besma, it was tragic that so many lost their lives in that conflict but we never forget their great sacrifices'. Tom

Heidi Sands

Date: 5/19/2018 1:17:00 PM

This is a very powerful, well written tribute Tom :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/19/2018 2:06:00 PM

Thank you very much Heidi. Tom.

Maria Williams

Date: 5/18/2018 6:12:00 AM

We wear a poppy as well, and when I look at one I see and feel the pain of the parents, what bravery, what great sacrifices. Your excellent poem depicts all that and more Tom. Amazing write my friend and a definite fave....Maria hugs

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/18/2018 6:33:00 AM

Thank you Maria, sometimes we have to engage in war to fight evil and we never forget the sacrifices others make on our behalf. Tom.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/17/2018 5:09:00 PM

I remember as a child they would have that time when people were wearing those poppies in remembrance. Where have those days gone. We must never forget. Thanks for sharing and helping us remember all they did.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/18/2018 12:31:00 AM

Thank you Andrea, they're still widely used every year In the UK, I remember one year I was at Sea world and they asked us to stand to honour the service personnel that were in the audience, I thought it was a lovely thing to do given the sacrifices' they make on our behalf. Tom

Alexis Y.

Date: 5/17/2018 4:57:00 PM

WoW! Tom, What a well written tribute to the brave souls who went to battle so many can be free. I commend you for writing such a write - Alexis

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/18/2018 12:22:00 AM

Thank you very much Alexis, sometimes freedom comes at a heavy price. Tom.

Lisa Brown

Date: 5/17/2018 3:25:00 PM

Excellent poem Tom. Very well written. For our tomorrow they gave their today.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/18/2018 12:19:00 AM

Thank you Lisa, how true are your words. Tom.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 5/17/2018 8:50:00 AM

What an exceptional piece. Thanks for writing and sharing.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/17/2018 10:43:00 AM

Thank you very much Richard. Tom

Mark Toney

Date: 5/17/2018 8:10:00 AM

Well done, Tom.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/17/2018 10:43:00 AM

Thank you Mark. Tom

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 5/17/2018 5:49:00 AM

A magnificent tribute to those who lost their lives for us to live free! Yes, it is true that we should all things you see my friend Tom but we must also ponder on human stupidity which, as Einstein sais is infinite! When are we going to learn that war is not the answer? LAST week Prince Charles was in Greece and when visited the tomb of the Unknown Soldier he brought with him Poppies to honour the fallen! Superb writing my friend!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/17/2018 6:19:00 AM

Thank you Demetrios, but how true that is, our leaders think problems can be solved with force, but sometimes it creates more problems than it solves, the middle east is a prime example. Tom

Jan Allison

Date: 5/16/2018 5:54:00 PM

a wonderful tribute Tom, we should always remember them and wear our poppies with pride:-) hugs Jan xx

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/16/2018 10:42:00 PM

Thank you very much Jan . Tom.

Rhoda Tripp

Date: 5/16/2018 3:30:00 PM

Very awesome write, Tom. I have always loved your rhyming poems. Always so well put together. This one is no exception. Very beautiful tribute.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/16/2018 5:02:00 PM

Thank you very much Rhoda, Hope you are well. Tom

Laura Leiser

Date: 5/16/2018 3:01:00 PM

A great tribute to the men who fought hard for freedom with bravery and courage. Enjoyed this!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/16/2018 5:01:00 PM

Thank you very much Laura. Tom.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 5/16/2018 8:27:00 AM

Nice, Tom! I recently read a book about J.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis during WWI. I did not know much before, mainly having read about WWII. It was an eye-opener.

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 5/16/2018 9:27:00 AM

Exactly! That’s what I read about! I can’t imagine the nightmarish scenario. War heroes returning with never ending images of their experience, drinking to forget and the loss of so many friends.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/16/2018 9:20:00 AM

Thanks Kim, I know all wars are a terrible loss of life but this one seemed more horrific, conditions in the trenches were atrocious. Tom.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 5/16/2018 7:16:00 AM

Tender, heart-felt, and a wonderful tribute to the troops.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/16/2018 7:28:00 AM

Thank you Caren, We never forget their great sacrifice. Tom.