In the Trenches

I snatched two poppies

From the parapet’s ledge,

Two bright red poppies

That winked on the ledge.

Behind my ear

I stuck one through,

One blood red poppy

I gave to you.

The sandbags narrowed

And screwed out our jest,

And tore the poppy

You had on your breast…

Down - a shell - O! Christ,

I am choked… safe… dust blind, I

See trench floor poppies

Strewn. Smashed you lie.