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.