The Poppy

he goes to the bedroom draw

to get a poppy of yester year
a poppy he has worn before
when the economy was less austere


but he has never bought one
the poppy had been discarded
glistening in winter sun
unwanted and unguarded

it will get its yearly outing
pined to a cashmere coat
this patriotic shouting
of a cause worthy to promote

when the parade is completed
and official cars withdraw
a symbol of a charity cheated
will be put back in the draw