The Spectator: Marat Bilalov quoted in Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence's blog

The charity Never Such Innocence, of which I am president, provides briefing packs for schools and holds an annual competition of poems, songs and artwork. Through this, the children have their say, and it is important that we listen. The competition, now in its fourth year, has produced some incredibly poignant and thought-provoking work.

Marat Bilalov, a prizewinner in the 9-11 age group, describes the poppy:

“Petals stained a bloody redThe tears that many mothers shed…A poisoned stud so small and blackOur loved ones never welcomed backWe are forever in their debtA field of souls lest we forget”

On Wednesday this year’s winners and runners-up had tea at Buckingham Palace. They richly deserved it.

You can read more here.