Equestrian Queen of Worldly Realm,
No longer at her regal helm;
Lamenting family of nations,
Melding race of all creations.
A fount of wisdom now is gone,
But her presence lingers on;
Enduring symbol of stability,
Both here and o’er the sea.
Although a presence is no more,
Life of duty gone before;
Her destined absence now to bring,
For us a new anointed King.
Her nurture set for him to steer,
Focused sense of purpose clear;
To stay upon her trodden path,
Worthy route her aftermath.
Solemnity of silence stilled the air,
Only birdsong heard by all those there;
Shattered by shout of ordered call,
Measured stamp of boots to fall.
Scarlet tunics of the Grenadier,
Amid the sorrow and the tear;
Clarion fanfare from the ramparts ring,
To herald our appointed King.
Polished cannon speak to sanction him,
Fired by warriors neat and trim;
To the future we all must face,
New Monarch now within Her place.
Monty Alexander 10.9.22