Poppymen, then and now

1918
Bright flash
Air punched, vacuum sucked
Oh shit, out of luck
Phosfor bright agony pure
Medic
Lady heroines cure
time in limbo
Diamorhpine sirens lure
Sweet nurses with needles
Mother warm safety sure
Whispering you are done with war

Then back
To an adapted job at the old firm
To daily medecine from the doctor
To walking straight with all respect due
Till leaving held fond with family
laid with honours aged 72

Now
Bright flash
Air punched, vacuum sucked
Oh shit, out of luck
Phosfor bright agony pure
Medic
Lady heroines cure
Time in limbo
Diamorphine sirens lure
Sweet nurses with needles
Mother warm safety sure
Whispering you are done with war

Then back
To disability living austerity Britain
To methadone and the street
To a junkies disdain and nothing to do with you
Till a verdict of misadventure
Found in a public loo

HEROES BOTH THOUGH POPPYMEN
for one the times are cruel