Scarlet Flowers

• Jeanne Carter, Grade 6
• Poetry
• 2010

Scarlet flowers bloom
On the fields of sorrow and death
Where the cries of the maimed still weigh down the air
And wounded men drew final breath

Scarlet flowers bloom
Near the young and the innocent who met their demise
Fighting for rulers who sent them to die
Who lured them into bloodshed with promises and lies

Scarlet flowers bloom
Around roughly dug graves
Where comrades and foe together lie
Equally still and equally brave

Scarlet flowers bloom
As fresh soldiers march into the field
We know of its pain and horror
So why still do we believe in the glory of war?