The poem
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.