Massed ranks, protecting
phalanx. Precision.
The bagpipes, gun carriage,
martial yet mournful.
Abbey’s organ, choir.
On the streets, in crowds,
in front of TVs. Most things
stopped. Most of us were there.
Union flags along The Mall.
Whatever your colours
a moment in history.
For one day a nation
more or less in perfect step.
The Queen has died.
The weather has changed.
It does feel different. Somehow.
A fine, close-knit poem, Greg. 'Precision' is the word, I think. This morning, you could feel a well-oiled machine turning. For some reason, the whole procession made me feel rather miserable - perhaps the sight of the hyper-drilled establishment rumbling into action was a bit too much. It rather got in the way of the funeral, I felt. Nevertheless, an impressive spectacle which was covered in full on TV in Belgium (all channels were cleared) and in many other countries, I'm sure.
But things will be different, as you say.
Lovely poem, Greg. We'll said!
So well put in few words, and agree absolutely with Flyntland. A great piece of writing.
You have conveyed the solemnity of the occasion and the 'New Dawn' in so few words - masterful
It is my son's birthday today and we drove a short distance to deliver cards/presents etc. You could have heard a pin drop in his Victorian Terraced street. Absolute silence!
Your piece conveys the pomp and colour of this once in our lifetime event well Greg. The line martial yet mournful is very well crafted indeed and says everything in very little words.
The last three lines portentous. I wonder what's in store.
A thoughtful piece
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Greg Freeman
Mon 19th Sep 2022 19:40
Thanks for your kind comments, Graham, Flyntland, Jennifer, John, and Steve. 'Martial yet mournful' were the first words that came to me, Graham, and made me reach for a notebook. I know what you mean about the 'precision' of the ceremony, Steve. Conveys power rather than grief or feeling, perhaps. Thanks also for the Likes, Stephen, Julie and K. Lynn