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Poppies

Nicholls, Marjory (1890 - 1930)

Original Text: 
Marjory Nicholls, Collected Poems, comp. Niel Wright (Wellington: Original Books, 2009).
1There are scarlet poppies in her garden-bed,
2    Debonair and full of glowing grace!
3There are scarlet poppies in a field of France
4    And they're flaunting in her dead love's face.

Notes

1] poppies: a widespread species, common to Europe and typically having large, showy red flowers that came to symbolize the fallen soldiers in World War I. Back to Line
2] debonair: stylish and charming Back to Line
4] flaunting: to display something, especially in order to provoke envy or show defiance. Back to Line
Publication Start Year: 
1917
Publication Notes: 
The Spike (1917).
RPO poem Editors: 
Cameron La Follette
RPO Edition: 
2011
Rhyme: 
abcb
Form: 
quatrain