I have been concerned for days.
Worried you were weak,
Your indomitable strength
Slowly ebbing away.
Ninety-six. An old lady,
Your Majesty.
I saw you, stooped, cane-supported
Still regal, platinum.
I can't believe you're gone.
You have been there always:
A part of my life.
A monetary figurehead,
Even in strange lands.
In profile and
Watchful, gazing out of paper,
Metal and plastic, rainbow-coloured
Like your many tailored suits
And flamboyant plumed hats.
A connection to home;
An embodiment of my land.
Your constant presence
Reassuring.
It is a strange phenomenon:
Mourning someone I have never met.
And yet I know you. I know you well.
You have always been there
And I feel the loss keenly;
It has hit me, hard, this passing.
Knowing its presence was veering
Nearer, has not helped.
I was prepared, I thought
But I was not.
Sitting in a school hall
With strangers around me,
United in a collective gasp
When your death was announced.
Surprise and sadness palpable.
I got up, the rain outside fitting.
It should rain. It is bleak.
A grey evening, colourless: bland.
My car waiting and the radio
Full of talk of you; respectful,
Nostalgic, reverential.
Public figures, leaders, discussion,
Speech after speech.
I cry.
I hear the bells tolling,
A death knoll.
Their pealing unappealing.
My grief is true.
I will miss you.
Shaken I am, untethered.
I feel insecure:
If you are not here, what next?
I don't want you to be gone!
Acceptance will take time-
But your duty is done:
God Rest the Queen.
Queen Elizabeth the Second died today. I love the Queen and all that she stands for: duty, patience, decorum, constancy. She has been an enormous presence in my life and those of my peers, as well as my parents, and is a role model for leaders the world over as someone who has put serving her people above all else. However you feel about Royalty, the Queen has led and a huge void, for me, will be left by her passing. Rest in Peace, Ma'am.
About the Creator
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.