Poppies (Jane Weir)

Poppies by Jane Weir explores the emotional impact of war on individuals, focusing on a mother's farewell to her son as he leaves for military service. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, the poem delves into themes of sacrifice, loss, and the enduring bonds of love. You can read the poem below and can find detailed analysis further down the page.

Poppies by Jane Weir

Three days before Armistice Sunday 
and poppies had already been placed 
on individual war graves. Before you left, 
I pinned one onto your lapel, crimped petals, 
spasms of paper red, disrupting a blockade 
of yellow bias binding around your blazer.

Sellotape bandaged around my hand,
I rounded up as many white cat hairs 
as I could, smoothed down your shirt's 
upturned collar, steeled the softening 
of my face. I wanted to graze my nose 
across the tip of your nose, play at 
being Eskimos like we did when
you were little. I resisted the impulse 
to run my fingers through the gelled 
blackthorns of your hair. All my words 
flattened, rolled, turned into felt,

slowly melting. I was brave, as I walked 
with you, to the front door, threw 
it open, the world overflowing 
like a treasure chest. A split second 
and you were away, intoxicated. 
After you'd gone I went into your bedroom, 
released a song bird from its cage. 
Later a single dove flew from the pear tree, 
and this is where it has led me, 
skirting the church yard walls, my stomach busy 
making tucks, darts, pleats, hat-less, without 
a winter coat or reinforcements of scarf, gloves.

On reaching the top of the hill I traced 
the inscriptions on the war memorial, 
leaned against it like a wishbone. 
The dove pulled freely against the sky, 
an ornamental stitch. I listened, hoping to hear 
your playground voice catching on the wind.

Analysis:

Setting: The poem is set three days before Armistice Sunday, a day commemorating the end of World War I. The imagery of poppies placed on war graves serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Symbolism of Poppies: Poppies symbolise both remembrance and loss, evoking the memory of fallen soldiers while also representing the pain and grief experienced by those left behind.

Mother-Son Relationship: The poem explores the deep bond between a mother and her son, as she prepares him for his departure to war. The mother's actions, such as pinning a poppy onto his lapel and smoothing down his collar, reflect her love and concern for his well-being.

Sensory Imagery: The poem is rich in sensory imagery, with descriptions of crimped poppy petals, cat hairs, and gelled blackthorns of hair. These details create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, allowing them to empathise with the mother's emotions.

Emotional Conflict: The mother grapples with conflicting emotions as she says goodbye to her son. Despite her desire to show affection and protection, she must also steel herself for the pain of separation.

Symbolism of Birds: The release of a songbird and a single dove symbolises freedom and hope amidst the backdrop of war. The mother's longing to hear her son's voice echoes in her search for his presence in the wind.

Structure and Form: The poem is composed of free verse, allowing for fluidity and emotional resonance. The lack of strict rhyme or meter reflects the natural flow of the mother's thoughts and emotions.

Tone: The tone of the poem is poignant and reflective, conveying the mother's mix of love, fear, and longing as she bids farewell to her son.

Themes:

Sacrifice and Remembrance: The poem explores the themes of sacrifice and remembrance, as symbolised by the poppies placed on war graves and the mother's farewell to her son.

Love and Loss: The deep bond between the mother and her son is depicted through acts of care and affection, juxtaposed with the pain of separation and the uncertainty of war.

Freedom and Hope: The release of the songbird and the flight of the single dove symbolise freedom and hope amidst the backdrop of war, offering a glimmer of solace amidst the turmoil.

Memory and Commemoration: The poem reflects on the importance of memory and commemoration in honouring the sacrifices of those who have served in war.

Language and Imagery:

Vivid Descriptions: The poem is filled with vivid descriptions and sensory imagery, allowing the reader to visualise the scene and empathise with the mother's emotions.

Symbolism: Symbolism, such as the poppies and birds, adds depth and layers of meaning to the poem, enriching its thematic exploration.

Figurative Language: Figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, enhances the emotional impact of the poem and adds depth to its portrayal of the mother's inner turmoil.

Repetition: The repetition of phrases, such as "without a winter coat or reinforcements of scarf, gloves," emphasises the mother's vulnerability and the harshness of the winter landscape.

Conclusion:

Poppies by Jane Weir is a poignant and evocative exploration of the emotional toll of war on individuals and families. Through its vivid imagery, poignant language, and thematic depth, the poem offers a moving portrayal of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of remembrance.

You can find analysis of all the AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology Poems here. 

You can find analysis of all the Edexcel Conflict Poetry Anthology Poems here.