As a child, I was excited
knowing there would be
a parade,
that the wreath
would be dropped
into the river
to flow
over the dam...
laughing with excitement
I watched it
flow over the dam.

Then the procession,
led by the band,
playing marching tunes,
half-mile to the graveyard,
the crowd following.
Flags and taps,
21-gun salutes,
uniformed old men
with sad mien,
old men with sad mien...

We always bought poppies.
We were happy
to hang the poppies
from our clothes,
our rearview mirrors,
the poppies were beautiful
to me,
lovely little poppies,
for me.

I understand, now,
that the poppies
had set me free,
to be a child
enjoying a parade,
to be a child
living freedom...

Beautiful Poppies
had set me free.

Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen
© Copyright 11/10/02
Watercolor by Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen