Red Box of the Queen

You left us as the seasons turned,

Having endured for all these years,

Standing guard

Over our shared homeland.

Even COVID couldn't stop you;

You were still fighting.

Turbulence born of misinformation,

Preceding your government's actions

Delivered daily

In a red box,

Holding all state secrets,

Awaiting the accumulation of dust

Settled upon global uncertainty

And the matters of your own household.

You walked hand in hand

With James Bond and Paddington Bear,

The Beatles and the Apollo 11 astronauts.

You consoled the families

After the Aberfan mine disaster in Wales.

With your wisdom and faith,

Wearing your heart on your sleeve,

Especially for the children.

We're left with memories,

Having visited over a hundred countries.

You remained as open-minded as possible,

Though underestimated by many.

Your Corgis and Dorgis, born and bred

Upon your kindness, compassion, and affection.

You were the Mother of us all.

We will miss you for generations to come.

Yours was the longest reign in history.

We couldn’t have done this without you,

And you couldn’t live without your people.

God bless you, our Queen,

The one who holds our hearts.

Undoubtedly, there is no other,

Now replaced by the King.

I wonder how he will follow your path.

Will he maintain your spirit?

Value the same things?

Or will he struggle like any man?

I believe we will learn the answer soon.

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In memory of Queen Elizabeth II