The Poppy ~ Brianna Zumbro

My heart was sore and weighted down,
I felt I was alone;
Though many friends surrounded me
My pain was all my own.

I breathed a sigh that no one heard,
Or so, at least, I thought,
Until a poppy stopped me short
And saw the hurt I fought.

It was a vibrant summer bloom,
Was little, yes, but fierce,
And with its color—vivid, warm—
My soul it seemed to pierce.

“I know the painful road you walk,”
The poppy seemed to say.
“I know it’s hard to tread it, but
You’ll make it through some way.

“The pain is harsh, I won’t deny,
But keep your chin up, dear!
And if you ever need to talk,
Just know that I am here.”

The poppy’s words encouraged me,
And though the hurt remained,
It got a little easier
To smile through the pain.