I saw an old man with a poppy today
He wore a long blue coat
And a faded beret
He stood in a shop door
For what? I don't know
With a draft that was fierce
And carried in snow.
With a tray round his neck
And a chest full of medals
He gave away poppies
Black and red were the petals
I watched for a while
As he pulled up his collar
He shook as he spoke
All who passed didn't bother
Unsure who this man was
I asked for his story
He bent and he spoke of
Blood, death, and glory
A war with this country?
I've never been told
The death of so many
The young and the old
I said I was sorry
For what he went through
I wish I could help
But what can I do?
He gave me a poppy
And smiled as he said:
Wear this with pride son
And remember the dead
