I saw him sitting
In his wheelchair
Outside the Walmart,
Offering blue fabric poppies
To shoppers
To remind them
Of those who've served,
And those who still serve.
He was young,
So young,
Yet though confined
By his disability,
He still sat upright
And proud,
Asking no sympathy
For himself,
But gently demanding
That we remember
Those who went
In our place
And paid
With their arms
And legs
And minds.
I accepted my poppy
And donated a dollar,
And he smiled his thanks
With a nod of his capped head.
And I thought to myself
As I walked away,
No, sir.
Thank you!