Monday, 19 September 2022

Thoughts on the State Funeral

A State funeral like no other;

 For, perhaps, the world’s grandmother

Seventy years on velvet throne

And only for one year – alone.


With Philip by her side she ruled 

No politician better schooled

With tact, diplomacy and charm;

Troubled waters she could calm.


Tours to her subjects; every one

Recalled with love, her duty done

Of countless charities the head

Who always by example led.


A black coach to the Abbey brings

World leaders, Presidents and Kings

A compromise to protocol

As traffic is a nightmare goal!


With mourning Royals in sober black

Joe Biden, free world leader, sat

With birthday-honoured guests today

United through her personal say!


Tight logistics, swelling crowds

Pall Mall lined with sad heads bowed

Strong presence in our post-war story

Pageantry, tradition, glory …


On letterboxes, stamps, banknote

Somehow, she never seemed remote

Though frail, we never thought to see

A world where she would cease to be …


(c) Poet in the woods 2022


The end of an era ...






1 comment:

  1. Well done, Sarah...and the faith she received to plod through for so long is monumental in itself!

    ReplyDelete