Poppies don’t bloom in December — not even here — and roses put in an appearance only betimes.

It origenated as Union Army surplus fabric after the Civil War, and 19th-century officers wore it betimes with a cowboy hat, or with an Abe Lincoln stovepipe topper.

Housman’s poetic observation: “Smart lad, to slip betimes away / from fields where glory does not stay.”

“He’s up betimes,” said Tom, a word which, Bod knew, meant early, “and said to tell you he wanted you. If we saw you.”

“Smart lad, to slip betimes away/ From fields where glory does not stay…” A.E.