New2026

Remembrance

Sue O'Donnell

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“Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as
it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Matthew 6 v 12
Flander’s field flamboyantly decked, dizzy with colour,
Splashed scarlet. Reminder of humanity’s spirit, soul spilled in suffering.
Battle blood carelessly, callously spent in so called glory.
Poppy red; beautiful gift, a glimpse of God.
Stunning swathes of silky shimmering sheen,
Wrapped gently; unfurling amongst lush green
Spikes, shards vibrant with fresh growth.
Fine petals by loving hands each delicately folded
Inwards, as if patiently awaiting further instructions
To triumphantly blaze forth a trail of intricate artistry.
Petals semi-pleated, pushing outwards, upwards leaning towards You.
The life sustaining force of warmth and love; so often seen
But seldom noticed, lest we stop and stare to lean
On our belief of God’s glorious magnificence.
Each frond inlaid in precision, framing the centre,
To shield the sultry stare of black eyed beauty
Seductively screened amidst layers of petticoat frills.
A breathtaking orb: dense, darkly demanding daylight, awaiting
In turn to steal a sunridden glance towards Him, who dating
All times and seasons in His plan, designs perfectly.
Velvet black buttoned pupil, glimpsed between riotous satin stain
Shining in the hot caress of dazzling mid day sun;
Yet a subtler shade showing in the slowly sinking, slanting rays of evening.
Then proud petals having rejoiced in the day, preening,
Fold silently, once more demure. Silently clasping to their heart
That abundant secret holding seeds rich store
Of God given goodness, waiting to go forth and multiply.
Like a mother, cradling to her breast the new born, to succour.
Awestruck, amazed at Your wondrous gift of life.
Will your child too, grow, start living in grace,
Only to be blown apart, shot prematurely into eternity?
Poppies flourishing in fields where barbarous war hastened death’s futility.
A growing, glowing emblem of promise bursting brightly upon us.
Symbol of summer’s hope, God’s crowning, a culture of joy.
Timely reminder of the need for mankind to redeploy
A different force; an army marching to another tune,
Waving the flag of surrender to foolish pride and selfish ambition.
Accepting, offering forgiveness. Forever. Through Him, with Him, in Him.