Before the big explosion

I am not a fan of these big red poppies in bloom, although I do like the dusky purple one called Patty's Plum. But, I love the hairy buds, leaves and stems, especially covered in raindrops. And it is certainly raining today - by the bucket full.
I pinched a couple of buds from my neighbours' garden - well I do help them by letting their dogs out during the day, so I reckon a couple of buds is fair exchange. Put them in a bottle on the kitchen table under the light (the buds, not the dogs) and attempted some arty shots.

Edited in Lightroom, with extensive use of the healing brush to try and get rid of background distractions. I do so wish I had a studio set up!