The poem "Poppies" was written by Jane Weir. It was composed in 2005 as part of a collection commissioned by the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, aimed at raising awareness of the sacrifices made by British soldiers in conflicts such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq. "Poppies" is a dramatic monologue told from the perspective of a parent, specifically a mother, who reflects on her son going off to war and the deep emotional impact of that separation, including themes of remembrance and loss. The poem is notable for its focus on the family's experience rather than the battlefield itself, emphasizing the personal cost of war.