Poppies were the first flowers to grow on the First World War battlefields above the graves of the dead and since then the poppy has been used as a symbol of remembrance for those who died fighting in wars and conflicts since.  Today on Remembrance Day millions will have worn poppy badges throughout Britain.
Today there were still three little poppies flowering in the garden.

I am not a badge of honour,
I am not a racist smear,
I am not a fashion statement,
To be worn but once a year,
I am not glorification
Of conflict or of war.
I am not a paper ornament
A token,
I am more.

I am a loving memory,
Of a father or a son,
A permanent reminder
Of each and every one.

I am paper or enamel
I'm old or shining new,
I'm a way of saying thank you,
To every one of you.

I am a simple poppy
A Reminder to you all,
That courage faith and honour,
Will stand where heroes fall.

Paul Hunter 2014