In Fields of Gold

a happy memory from poppies, not a sad one. (Atkinson's London - fragrance - Californian Poppy)

Under the sun in fields of gold,

grow poppies in late August heat.

Bright clusters showing off their skirts

of silken boldness, indiscreet.

Flirtatious as you pass them by,

they can not fail to catch your eye.

Elfreda, my paternal Nan,

whose lipstick kisses stained me red,

applied her perfume sparingly,

a subtle touch is best she said.

In tiny screw top bottle bought

from Woolworths was her favoured sort.

Though poppies often make us sad,

reminders of past war torn years,

of loss of life and sacrifice,

a source of sorrow not of cheer,

forgive me if once in a while

these flowers yield from me a smile.

Reviews

[Neville]

there is so much squeezed into those three distinctly separate, yet perfectly linked stanzas that I must confess to having come over all unnecessary .. a most beautiful poem & truly .. the visuals are just perfect and I can smell the Californian Poppy even now (it was the very first bottle of perfume I bought for my own Mum) and I do believe we both loved it as much as each other ...... I wonder if it is still available?

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Your review is lovely and nostalgic. Californian Poppy was very popular in the 50's and 60's. Not surprised your mum loved it as did my nan. I don't know whether it's still available, I will Google and let you know :) Thank you Neville for giving this oldie an airing.

Chris

[Neville]

I loved it too & would be sure to buy even if it gave me just a faint hint of my mum .... thank you Chris

Neville

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

We will not forgive you, we will adore you and your poetic words instead. This is so charming and poppies and how u creatively sing of them delight my poetic senses and I whisper and write kudos instantly. Keep writing such superb beauties . And don't forget to take care.!

[Chris Shaw]

What an endearing response zay zay. So happy to see an old friend from other places. Take care.
read moreWhat an endearing response zay zay. So happy to see an old friend from other places. Take care.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

What a beautiful poem, with lovely unforced rhyme and true emotion ... ah yes, the magic of free verse and subtle rhyme. Gorgeous. Ever so.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. So pleased you liked these lines Lyn.

[Lyn Anderson]

It is really and truly magical.