poppies

• summary

  author - Jane Heir

  a mother recalls caring for her son and reminisces about his childhood before it is revealed that he is no longer there and is implied he has died in conflict
• context

  • weir was born in island
  • lived in northern island during the troubles
  • two since, influenced wanting to explore why men want to go to war
  • poppies grew on battlefield
  • armistice sunday also became a way to remember the world wars
  • used poppies as symbols to establish the poem is an act of rememberance
• language, structure and form

  • dramatic monologue
  • second person narrative to directly address their sin
  • free verse - uncensored thoughts
  • outpouring emotion
  • chaotic structure - lack of control over emotions
  • enjambment - fragmented feeling
• “to the front door threw it open, the world overflowing like a treasure chest“ 


  -idolises war

  -leaving a familiar place

  -sudden and decisive moment breaking free from his mum - enthusiasm

  -holds countless opportunities and experience

  -boundless end to future

  -simile - abundance and richness awaiting

  -sons perspective
• “hoping to hear your playground voice catching on the wind”


  -longing and desperation deep emotional attachment

  -emphasis loss of innocence caused by war

  -innocence, childhood joy

  -symbol of change carrier of memories desire to connect with old memories
• “crimped petals spasms of paper red”


  -delicate nature of poppies

  represent life lost

  fragility and vulnerability of life

  -sudden convulsive moment (pain or death)

  -poppies are experiencing suffering reflecting violence and destruction of war
• “poppies had already been on place on individual war graves”


  -symbol of remembrance

  -past perfect tense action occurred before poem —> highlights ongoing nature of remembrance and grief

  -personal nature of each death

  -placing poppies on grave is a solemn gesture honour those who have made sacrifices grief experienced