Andrew John | + Follow Poet |
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Obsequies for a Queen

Listen to poem:

(Elizabeth II 1926-2022)


Are we - crow, blackbird, sparrow -
aware of what's occurring?
We cannot tell, they assume,
but gape and gaze from up here.

This is a land with a departed monarch.
We - sparrow, blackbird, crow -
flit or sit above the richness
of that marching red regalia.

Thousands of arms stretch, sinews strain,
cameras are held aloft
to catch the start of this queen's obsequies,
such elegance, such grace.

We - blackbird, crow, sparrow -
observe orb and sceptre on the magnificent pall,
witness the splendour, the spectacle,
delight in the sound of vocal souls.

Millions have viewed that coffin.
We - crow, blackbird, sparrow - see them gaping, gazing,
with its eight pallbearers, in their blood-red flame,
as this Abbey welcomes what they carry.


(Sep 2022)

(You may wish to see also "Trooping the Colour" of June 2022 and "Coronation for a King" of May 2023)

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J. Summers Date: 9/22/2022 7:21:00 AM I’ve not read your poetry until now but if this is any indication of your work I’m glad I stopped by. The poem is written with a most colorful imagery. Telling the story from the point of view of the watchful birds was a great idea. Marking this one as a favorite. John Login to Reply Andrew John Date: 9/23/2022 3:53:00 AM Thank you so much for your comment, JS. I quite like my first one here (bottom one), "Conservatory". No rhyme at lines of this iambic pentameter, but lots of rhyme within. Odd to come back to one's stuff after so long, and that was written maybe 20 years ago, posted about 10 years ago. (Makes me seem so old!) I'm off to look at J. Summers now!