One variety of the beautiful poppy has reached power and fame beyond imagination: The Opium Poppy! The seed pods produce opium, heroin, and morphine. Though its medical benefits are vitally important for pain relief and especially cardiac patients, the illegal use of opium and heroin has spread worldwide leaving inconceivable destruction. From 3400 B.C. to the present, the cultivation of the opium poppy has led nations to centuries of war and killing. It is well-documented that the U.S. government has protected drug operations in Afghanistan and in other countries. The U.S. military and the CIA have openly admitted their role in protecting Afghani poppy fields. This little beautiful flowering plant, the poppy, brings life and death to millions. This is a digital painting copyrighted by Matthew Schwartz on 5.14.2016. All Spadecaller artwork posted on Imagekind, Facebook, and elsewhere is copyright protected. Permission to copy, appropriate, reclaim, alter, or otherwise distribute, display, or sell is prohibited.