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Images of War 07 - London, 10th July 2005

by Paganini Jones

"Just simply alive,
both of us, I
and the poppy."

(Issa)

---------------------------------------------


The tissue paper of the ruby poppy
Glows. The veins hold the impossible petals
As the bee explores, probes, flies,
and is gone

The wild flower, smaller than in memory
Bobs, twice and is still.

Red glows like coals;
Like a burning blaze
Fierce as a demon’s anger;
Like sorrow, limp in the night;
Like a child’s scarlet coat
On a grey, blustery day.

From the sky
A million poppies
Fall. Maybe a choir sings.

A cloud of fire fluttering down
A hand reaches,
Plucks one flower
From the air
Like a single brand;
Like treasured words
Locked safe in a drawer;
Like a moment of life
Lived in eternity;
Like forgiveness,

And there is indeed still honey for tea
And the warm song of the hive
Somewhere out of sight.


11th July 2005

07/11/2005

Author's Note:
Maybe too pretty for some people but I don't know how else to say what I wanted to say! I wonder if you will recognise the references?

Following Jersey's comment I have posted an explanation of sorts in my journal.

Posted on 07/11/2005
Copyright © 2024 Paganini Jones

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Jersey D Gibson on 07/11/05 at 08:10 PM

Hmm, nope, not getting it. I am pretty stupid, though :)

yer pal

Jersey

Posted by Maureen Glaude on 07/12/05 at 12:16 AM

yes, to me I was taken right away to the poppy of Flanders and that poem. I believe it's the spirits of those who endured the Blitz and fought for England (and the Allies)rallying to support those attacked Thursday, and their families, and to remind London and England to be strong, and go on for the sake of righteousness? I love the concrete, the tactile, of the opening especially, but carried on throughout. A tough topic treated with reverence and delicacy but resilience.

Posted by Maureen Glaude on 07/12/05 at 12:17 AM

ps the use of the Issa epigraph is so effective also.

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