Tomos Roberts on Remembrance Day Inspiration Behind ‘Alive with Poppies’

Primary Times hears from spoken word poet, performer and filmmaker Tomos Roberts to get his thoughts on Remembrance Day and the inspiration behind ‘Alive with Poppies’

1) What sparked your interest in the symbol of the poppy and Remembrance Day?

When I was small, I remember noticing each November the little red flowers that would appear everywhere—adorning teachers' blazers, gracing shop windows, and even pinned to the jackets of my favourite TV presenters. It felt as though the poppies held a secret they were eager to share. My curiosity deepened when my English teacher introduced me to John McCrae's poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. It is hauntingly melancholic with its vivid imagery—fields of poppies blooming among rows of crosses, birds daring to sing above the chaos below—painted indelible pictures in my mind that lingered for years. That poem brought the symbol of the poppy to life for me, long before poetry became my own profession.
Years later, I was honoured with the opportunity to perform an original poem of my own at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in 2021. To pay my utmost respect to the great sacrifices of all who endured a century of armed conflict, I delved deeply into literature and documentaries to capture the essence of a time and circumstance I had not known. I discovered that the poppy is not merely a symbol of remembrance but also a beacon of hope and resilience for an aspirational future unshaped by war. This realisation sparked a desire to share its story in a way that resonates with both young and old—to remember all that was while imagining the world that could be.

2) What do you most enjoy about writing and performing poetry?

For me, poetry feels like a friendly conversation with the soul. Writing allows me to explore thoughts and feelings that might otherwise get tangled up and lost in everyday chatter. Performing, on the other hand, is all about connection—a unique moment where words can come alive and forge a bond with the audience.
I wrote my first poem at the age of 14, titled "Two Mice," for an evening of Words & Music hosted by my school. My motivation stemmed from an uncharacteristic jealousy I had toward a classmate who consistently outshone me in English and Drama. The poem delved into a world where each character gazed at the next with envy and discontent, except for two mice who found peace by focusing only on themselves. Standing on stage before about two hundred parents—the largest audience I'd ever faced—my little legs shook, and the paper I read from trembled in my hands. But I made it through. I was enveloped by an incredible rush of adrenaline—a feeling that cascaded over me and one I knew I wanted to chase for the rest of my life.

3) Where do you find the inspiration for your poems?

Inspiration is abundant in this world if we keep our eyes open. I often begin any piece of writing by asking myself, "What do I truly care about?" and then delve deeply into that thought.

I try to look for inspiration in whatever my present circumstance may be. During the pandemic, I discovered that inspiration could be as humble as a bedtime story told to two six-year-olds, assuring them that everything would turn out okay in a world filled with uncertainty. In those moments, I realised how powerful words can be in providing comfort and hope—not just to them, but to myself as well.

4) What are your hopes for children and families that read ‘Alive with Poppies’?

My hope is that Alive with Poppies becomes more than just a book on a shelf—it becomes an illuminating guide that helps demystify our traditions of Remembrance for the next generation. I deeply believe in the essence of Remembrance Day; it invites us to gaze directly into the abyss of some of the most challenging chapters in human history. It suggests that we need not be doomed to repeat cycles of chaos, destruction, and war, but that we can learn from the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. Regardless of the country we come from, we all desire the same fundamental things: safety, love, dignity, and opportunity.

I aspire for this book to open meaningful conversations between children and their families about history, sacrifice, and the importance of remembering those who've paved the way for us. If it can help young readers understand not just the "what" but the "why" behind the poppy—fostering empathy and gratitude—then I feel it has fulfilled its purpose. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Scholastic for recognising the potential in this poem and for working with me to transform it into a beautiful book. My thanks also go to Sharon Rentta for coupling my words with her exquisite illustrations, capturing the perfect tone to convey the story.

I sincerely hope we've done justice to the incredible words of John McCrae, who was undoubtedly the key source of inspiration for this work. May this book stand on its own merit as a contribution from a generation that has flourished in a time of peace.

‘Alive with Poppies’ by Tomos Roberts and illustrated by Sharon Rentta is out now, published by Scholastic.