At first I saw you standing by the road

Just one, to let the world know: ‘I am here’,

That glance that stole my heart and really showed

The power of that beauty when so near.

Soon others then appeared in similar flush,

I loved you all, I knew not how to choose,

You spread to fields afar in one red blush,

Not one of you, could I, afford to lose.

Yet was not love that needed to possess,

To share it with the world was my intent,

That greater love would make it more, not less,

This flower lets the others know they’re meant

To show their beauty too, in peace they’ll die,

The poppies burning love, still makes me cry.