Gyppo has summed up much of my intention and certainly 'lad' is used in my part of the world. As an aside I recently read this article on PTSD in relation to a British copper:https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/201 ... tudy-finds
Of course, there are no simple solutions, especially at these levels of stress, but I do believe connecting to nature - including gardening - can help. That is where the poem started, though not where it ended!
Dave, some thoughts on your thoughts (all very helpful):
bestI would consider dropping 'idle' as it distracts a little - is it used factually as in ahving nothing to do? Or, is it meant as a counterpoint to the industriousness of the N?
It was used as a 'counterpoint' and for the sonics (l).
Secondly, why 'that afternoon' - would the line lose anything without the word 'that'. It would make the experience specific and universal without it.
I wanted some delay between the trigger for and the action. Also the mind's time frames past/present and where his mind lives.
Thirdly, I suppose he dug up the field and that the field contained the poppies. As is sounds like the field= a pride of poppies. A very minor point, granted.
Not sure what the point is there Dave.
'bothered him not' is weirdly archaic. I can't quite figure why you chose to put it like that.
To reflect the vernacular syntax.
Phil