The poppies returned and we ran outside

to wring out our wishes from their restful hollows.

The poppies returned and we rustled up

our tired and worn to lay them down

in blood petal beds of peace.

Sleep, we begged them

and walked slow circles shushing and swaying

the way we soothe our babies,

shushing and swaying our shared hearts.

The poppies returned and we set down

our pride and our fears and listened,

resting together in the quiet unknown.