Your final journey 1926-2022
And so it is that the sun is setting on this historical day.
A day filled with thanksgiving and we saw a nation pray.
Your coffin laid onto a large heavy gun carriage.
Bound for Westminster Abbey, where you were married.
A carriage that once carried your father, the King.
The Abbey filled with glorious sounds as choristers sing.
The place of your coronation - the start of a 70 year reign.
The day that you passed away filled us with so much pain.
One hundred and forty two naval seamen undertook their duty.
A military procession filled with spectacular beauty.
So the nation and world could reflect on your life.
Today was not the day for disagreements or strife.
Your coffin adorned with a crown, orb and sceptre.
You always knew that God was your great protector.
In the peace and the silence the tenor bell tolled 96 times.
One for each year of your life that bell did chime.
The sun streamed down and in through stain glass windows.
In the great architectural abbey lay no deep, dark shadows.
Upon your coffin lay a simple wreath of home flowers.
Each of the blooms having a reason for their assemblance.
Myrtle for marriage and Rosemary for remembrance.
The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended but your legend begins.
For you, our Queen have truly gained your Angel wings.
A young Prince and Princess wanted to be part of this day.
You were their shepherd, guiding them along their way.
A nation fell silent - simply united in gladness but also grief.
A comfort to so many was knowing that you had great faith.
Each corner of the abbey filled with singing and praise.
Your relentless hard work, dedication to duty - never ceased to amaze.
In the place where you married and were given your crown.
You vowed to all your people you’d never let them down.
Throughout your long reign you led from deep within your soul.
And now it is God’s dwelling place where you now shall go.
Your faith comforted you, as death opened the door to glory.
You would have known that you were stepping into holy territory.
Nothing can separate mankind from the love of God.
Though we are sure that, sometimes, even your life was flawed.
As you left Westminster Abbey the crowds were amassed.
A ripple of applause, like waves, rose up as you passed.
The people threw flowers as a symbol of gratitude.
This sight was a wall of thanks in such magnitude.
A sea of red accompanied you down the long Mall.
A Queen who wanted so much to be seen by all.
Onwards you travelled to your great home, Windsor
Where thousands lined the streets - hoping to see Her.
Then in the depths of St George’s chapel a son pays his respect.
Laying out the company camp colour - taking a moment to reflect.
Symbols of your reign now removed from your coffin.
Know this ma’am, your reign will never be forgotten.
All lives have a beginning and an end - alpha and omega.
So it is now we must look forward to a bright new era.
A lone piper stands and plays his final lament.
A monarch, our Queen, he was proud to represent.
So as the sound of the piper slowly faded away
It was a final farewell on this historic day.
Gun salutes were heard as the Sebastopol bell rung out.
For a mother, a queen, a leader and a Christian devout.
So now as our period of national mourning comes to end.
We give thanks for a long life that was truly a god send.
It is now that your family and our King can grieve.
As momentary from public life they can take their leave.
A numbness and disbelief that you are actually gone.
A gracious, regal lady who was truly hands on.
Now your throne awaits you in heaven.
Take your rightful place as to where you ascend.
Copyright © J C Hicks
19.9.22
God Save The King
Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, and Sovereign of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
Rest in peace Queen Elizabeth II
