- lapelnounChapter 1 →
The folded flap of fabric on the front of a jacket or coat, just below the collar, where a pin or badge is often attached.
“Before you left, I pinned one onto your lapel, crimped petals, spasms of paper red.”
- crimpedadjectiveChapter 1 →
Pressed or pinched into small, tight folds or ridges, giving a crinkled, textured appearance.
“Before you left, I pinned one onto your lapel, crimped petals, spasms of paper red.”
- spasmsnounChapter 1 →
Here, sudden, sharp bursts or flashes of colour and shape — used to describe the vivid, almost violent redness of the poppy's petals.
“Before you left, I pinned one onto your lapel, crimped petals, spasms of paper red.”
- overflowingverbChapter 1 →
Spilling over its limits, too full to be contained — used here to suggest the outside world felt vast, abundant, and overwhelming as the son stepped into it.
“threw it open, the world overflowing like a treasure chest.”
- treasure chestphraseChapter 1 →
A locked box traditionally filled with gold or jewels; used here as a comparison to suggest the world appeared full of exciting possibility and riches to the departing son.
“the world overflowing like a treasure chest.”
- catching on the windphraseChapter 1 →
Being carried or lifted by a passing breeze — used here to suggest the mother strains to hear the faint, distant sound of her son's voice as if it might drift back to her.
“I listened, hoping to hear your playground voice catching on the wind.”
- war memorialnounChapter 1 →
A public monument, often a stone structure, built to honour soldiers who died in war; the mother visits one as a place of grief and remembrance.
- Remembrance SundaynounChapter 1 →
An annual day of commemoration held in the United Kingdom, on the Sunday nearest 11 November, to honour military personnel killed in wars, marked by the wearing of red poppies.
- gatepostnounChapter 1 →
One of the upright posts on either side of a gate, forming part of a fence or garden entrance; here it is a childhood landmark the mother touches as she moves through the house.
- ajaradjectiveChapter 1 →
Slightly open, not fully closed — used of a door left part-way open, suggesting the son's absence and the space he has left behind.
- dramatic monologuenoun
A poem spoken entirely by a single character who addresses a silent listener, revealing their inner feelings through what they say — here the mother speaks directly to her absent son.
PoppiesShort story by Jane Weir