Poppies by Jane Weir

• What contrasting semantic fields are mentioned in the study material?

  Home/childhood and war/injury
• How do the phrases "blockade" and "bandaged" contribute to the poem's themes?

  They reinforce the play-at being war/injury theme
• What type of imagery is used in the phrase "Alarmy Horns"?

  Aural (sound) imagery
• What does the phrase "flattened, rolled, turned into felt snow" symbolize in the poem?

  It symbolizes pain and inability to speak
• What does the line "listened hoping to hear your playground voice careening the wind" express?

  It shows longing for a dead song
• What perspective on bravery is presented in the line "I was brave as I walked with you to the front door"?

  It shows a different perspective on bravery in conflict
• What are the tones identified in the study material?

  • Tender
  • Tragic
  • Dreamy
  • Bitter
• What historical context is provided for the poem?

  It is set around the times of the Iraq and Afghan wars
• Why is the conflict in the poem described as deliberately ambiguous?

  To give the poem timeless relevance to all mothers and families
• What critical tone is hinted at regarding soldiers in the poem?

  That soldiers can become intoxicated