Brian K. Bilverstone Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

The UK and some other countries commemmorate their war dead with a poppy.
A few years ago, the Royal British Legion decided to add a leaf to their poppy symbol. Almost immediately the "My way or the highway" brigade started to try to dictate to everyone how they should display their poppies. They were particularly fond of saying that the leaf should be positioned at 11 O'clock in memory of the 1918 Armistice. That was one war. There have been so many since.
In 2022, I wrote this in reponse to that nonsense.
 

How I Wear My Poppy

I wear a poppy every day
And always there’s someone who’ll say,
“You’ve got it wrong! That’s not the way,
My man, you’re disrespectful!”
You know the type. They take delight,
Dictating what is wrong, what’s right.
But really I don’t give a sh*te.
I’m not at all regretful.

“Not on your hat! It’s all askew!
The leaf at eleven, not six or two!”
What a ridiculous, pointless to-do!
Really? Does it matter?
So my poppy’s on a shirt, a tie
Low on my coat or pinned up high
I really do not understand why,
There’s so much outraged chatter.

You see, it’s not the way it’s worn;
What piece of clothing you adorn,
Smart as a guardsman or tattered and torn.
What matters is, it’s there.
I wear my poppy how I like.
The haters? They can take a hike!
You wanna moan? Get on yer bike!
My tribute’s my affair.

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Oliver Mckeithan February 7, 2025 at 1:38 PM Well said. We honor ours in the US the same way and you are right, where and how you wear it is your decision. Brian K. Bilverstone February 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM Thank you for your comment. It is something that I feel passionate about.