A sea of living crimson caught my eye
Of oriental splendour, out of place
Beneath the pastel of an English sky
Where soft-toned pastures etch the tranquil face
Of Summertime. A silken, poppied sea
That shimmered in the early morning sun,
And with true beauty's generosity
Held out its cup of joy to everyone.
The sober hedgerows glowed a richer hue,
The willow-herb a dainty blush revealed,
And I have never seen a sky as blue
As that which smiled upon the poppy field.
Sweet flowers that bring men sleep, you brought to me
A wakened joy that lives in memory.
