Poppies

It is an intensely simple, intensely floral, flower. All silk and flame, a scarlet cup…like a burning coal fallen from Heaven’s altars.

FROM PROPERPINA by John Ruskin

Following WWI, poppies flowering on the battlefields of Belgium, France and Gallipoli became synonymous with great loss of life in war.

Yet the scope of the poppy and its connection with the memory of those who have died in war has been expanded to help the living too. It was the inspiration and dedication of two women who promoted this same “Memorial Flower” as the means by which funds could be raised to support those in need of help, most especially servicemen and civilians suffering from physical and mental hardship as a result of war. (http://www.greatwar.co.uk/article/remembrance-poppy.htm)

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

-John McCrae

Painting by East Tennessee Artist, Robert Tino. A gift from Sharon Woliver and Audrey Brantley

The Poppies in the Garden

The poppies in the garden, they all wear frocks of silk, Some are purple, some are pink, and others white as milk, Light, light, for dancing in, for dancing when the breeze Plays a little two-step for the blossoms and the bees. Fine, fine, for dancing in, all frilly at the hem, Oh, when I watch the poppies dance I long to dance like them!

The poppies in the garden have let their silk frocks fall All about the border paths, but where are they at all? Here a frill and there a flounce — a rag of silky red, But not a poppy-girl is left — I think they've gone to bed. Gone to bed and gone to sleep; and weary they must be, For each has left her box of dreams upon the stem for me.

-Ffrida Wolfe

Poppies along a ditch in Madison County, Ohio

Poppies

Somnolent

Opiate

Passionate

Laudatory

Meritorious

Papyrus

Vermillious!

So on this Memorial Day weekend, as we launch into the summer season, may we thwart the malicious intentions of those who would thrust their power toward discord and war. May the poppy remain a lasting symbol of the atrocities of war. May our plates be filled with joy.

CPW