A flag-draped coffin passes by,
As a muffled bell tolls in the sky;
Some cheer (few jeer), some clap. some sigh...
Liittle old lady passing by
A sovereign and her consort wait
For a coffin carried through the gate,
Acknowledged with a sideways eye,..
Little old lady passing by.
The service done, the guests and kin
Emerge to let new life begin;
Beyond, beneath a noon-day sky,
A little old lady passes by.
So accuracy of definition becomes semantics = to suit. The problem with much that is posted.
A simple walking pace - like the horses - and an excellent observance - 'a little old lady' was exactly what she was, smothered in that flag.
Whether it was state or whether it was ceremonial is just a question of semantics - the point I'm making is that the tax payer paid for it - not the family - that gives the public cause to air their grievances and their thoughts - that is what is causing the controversy.
Isobel, I don't doubt that the Lady wouldn't have been enthused by my reference to her as a "little old lady" -but, unlike her larger than life personality in her pomp, nature had certainly reduced her to that stature in physical terms - as it does all of us who attain great age. It's just a fact of life that serves as a telling contradiction between what she was and what she became as illness and age took its toll.
Correction: this was a ceremonial funeral. The funeral of that other famous politician, Sir Winston Churchill, was a STATE occasion. I was there and the difference between the two was (and is) obvious.
I can appreciate the sentiment of leaving families to grieve in peace without vitriol.
I think the controversy became inevitable as soon as the funeral became a state one though. It was according Margaret Thatcher with a respect and prominence that many could not accept or agree with. In principle, I, and many others think it is wrong to pay for the funerals of any political figures, whatever party they belong to.
I see what you are saying about mortality MC - death brings us all low. I can somehow never see Margaret Thatcher as a 'little old lady' though - and I think that's something she'd be glad about.
Thanks one and all - your comments are much appreciated. I hoped to put into words the irrevocable fact that death is the simple leveller, and that, truly, "paths of glory lead but to the grave".
I never warmed to the woman as you know, MC, but I warm to the poem. I also, as you also know, put distance between myself and those who celebrate her death.
I really like the simplicity of this. In particular the penultimate line - a nice mix of the ethereal and the worldly in a picture.
i liked this MC - simple yet effective - obviously i don't agree with the politic - but appreciate the sentiment :-)
ian
That sums it up M.C. those who jeer are too late - anyone celebrating the little old lady's death is celebrating the wrong thing. Those who disagreed with her politics should have celebrated when she left power How many of the young'uns jiggling in glee today actually have an informed opinion of events which happened before they were born?
you have highlighted the reality of the situation a little old lady has died. of what avail the vitriol?
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steve pottinger
Sat 20th Apr 2013 08:56
I enjoyed this, MC. Despite my politics. ;-)