Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

MY LUVE IS LYKE A RED RED POPPIE

entry picture

(If Burns had been around today he might have written this instead)

 

My luve is lyke a red, red poppie coursing through my veines

It leads me to a better worlde by dullinge my life’s pains.

Your poppie stands for sacrifice, for blude on Flanders fielde

My poppies for oblivionne, from pain from whiche I shield.

It populates grasse verges of my sorrowes twisting laynes

My luve is lyke a red, red poppie coursing through my veines.

◄ THE RED WHEELBARROW

THE WORD AND THE DEED ►

Comments

Profile image

John Coopey

Mon 18th Mar 2024 16:47

Thankyou, MC and David again. A hefty part of the answer to the question you ask, MC, is crime. And thanks for the Like, Stephen A.

Profile image

M.C. Newberry

Mon 18th Mar 2024 14:14

There seems a prediliction for addiction
A constant source of social friction.
My ongoing thought (I've never ignored it)
Is how on earth do these users ever afford it? 😐

Profile image

David RL Moore

Mon 18th Mar 2024 10:34

Hi John,

I absolutely see your direction there John and it is conveyed with clarity.

I was interested in how your words triggered my prejudiced/influenced thinking by use of specific words and images with which Britons are often bombarded. In that respect non-brits might not be so distracted.

I am fascinated by interpretations and how they can be wildly varied, your poem offered a really good example of such a vehicle for interpretation.

I would say that the thrust of your poem is clear and that it stands well without any convoluted interpretation such as mine...(for which I apologise)

David

Profile image

John Coopey

Mon 18th Mar 2024 10:04

Thankyou for your thought, David. Specifically, I centred this poem on a heroin addict, And for the Like, Holden.

Profile image

David RL Moore

Mon 18th Mar 2024 08:45

Hi John,

I thought I'd chip in.

I appreciate the way this seemingly obvious poem highlights the juxtopose between the many differing types of people who find themselves homeless or in addiction. The use of the image of "The Poppie" pointing toward a possible prejudice long implanted in a nations psyche. The truth is, most who find themselves streetside are there due to some kind of trauma and pain (I highlight the use of the word most) as there are those who choose.

I do understand this piece is as much about addiction as homelessness, the image you have used to accompany the poem will possibly colour reactions and comments.

Your wordage is spot on, those veterans and others who fall between the cracks do often seek oblivion and nothing other than that (this I truly know) The other truth is they are not alone in their homelessness and seeking of oblivion by various poisons. Literally, the entire globe is represented on our streets today.

Many of those homeless vets fought in a conflict which encompassed a convenient regional poppy war with international influence and repercussions upon their own futures, ironic eh.

A poem probably a little more complex than it seems on first reading.

David.

Profile image

John Coopey

Sun 17th Mar 2024 17:49

Thankyou, Leon and David for the Like.

Profile image

leon stolgard

Sun 17th Mar 2024 16:59

Great piece Johnny boy-( can't get over the absolute disgrace of homeless veterans ) rubber boat priorities wtf is that about?

Profile image

John Coopey

Sun 17th Mar 2024 15:18

My next one will be “Ya wee timorous bustie”, Graham. And thanks for the Like, Stephen.

Profile image

Graham Sherwood

Sun 17th Mar 2024 11:53

That's it! All we need now is an annual 'Coopey Night Supper' not a bard idea at that!

Cutting edge as always JC. Where do they all come from? Or are you on the poppies too. 😇

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message