Poppies on the Track

As I walk along aimlessly,                                        
I spy poppies on the train track;                              
The petals are tattered and torn,                              
Forlorn they flutter in the wind.                              

A whisper of a memory                                        
Begins to echo in my mind                                        
As I gaze at these poppies; proud,                              
Loud colours once blazing now dulled.                    

They must once have been beautiful,                              
As life was beautiful for me.                                        
Now like these flowers, I’m tainted,                              
Painted by darkness, tragic, marred.                    

I hear the tracks rumble to life,                              
A train streaks by forcing me back.                              
Once past, I search for the flowers,                              
Showers of petals cascading.                                        

Finally beaten, ripped from life;                              
Too weak to withstand such fury.                              
I walk, my heart heavy with pain,                              
Stains left by bitter memories.



(Prompt: Pain and Memories.)