Obsequies for a Queen

Freeverse

(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)

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

A fine tribute. You capture the state funeral here so well. I will never forget the sound, the colour and the military precision. It was all absolutely magnificent and was a send off to be remembered, as she will be, for her total dedication to duty. The repetition works so very well here.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I watched the queen's funeral on TV , which was the same way I watched her coronation as a child. It was staged to perfection, as befits such a monarch. Modern life has pared away much of such pomp and circumstance, but it still has its place.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

such an amazing queen, and the outpouring of love and respect as she is laid to rest brings chills.

Really strong ode to her...and I like the repetition of the "Blackbird" line.
"Blackbird singing in the dead of night; take these broken wings and learn to fly---all your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arrive."
j.