The Poppy is one of the most beautiful wild flowers, whose origins go back to the beginning of civilisation. Poppies have a special richness and intensity about their beauty. A beauty that majestically resurrects itself to new life from late spring to early summer.
In the meadows and cornfields and along the waysides their glowing profusion excites the imagination like a symphony of nature.
Beethoven loved communing with nature. He often walked for miles over the fields and hills around the capital of Austria composing music in his mind. One wonders what pastoral chords might have been struck by his sighting of a field of royal red poppies in the brightness of morning sunlight.
Poppies are invariably seen as flowers of survival, nostalgia and remembrance – evoking timeless memories and emotions. They capture all the moods of quiet and pensive feelings of courage and adoration for those who died, with the love of home still in their hearts whilst making the sacrifice for lasting peace and new hope for humankind.
Scarlet petals fall as they always will
In memory of a loving heart of a loving heart that’s still
Memories of a bygone love who forever cares
About freedom and the rules of playing fair.
“Sleep on dear comrades in peace beside the scarlet blooms. So that each night our hearts may rendezvous with you beyond the setting sun.”
Editor’s note: This article was first published in The Link magazine (Nov 2014, editor: Richard Wright), Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. Thank you Richard and Vic for sharing this article in Chandler’s Ford Today.
Vic, your writing is absolutely beautiful. This piece is so uplifting. I thoroughly enjoy reading it. This helps us reflect on the month of remembrance, of loss, hope, courage, and love. Thank you for sharing.