She’s not in the kitchen
presiding over preparations,
thriving amidst the chatter,
tutting away thieving fingers.
She’s not in the classroom,
mastering subjects,
upholding order,
ruling with charitable hand.
Nor is she at social affairs,
head bent in rapt attention,
smiling cordially,
gracious with compassion.
The Queen is missing –
the poise and composure
that marked her carriage
has vanished without a trace.
Don’t ask the old woman
tottering down the lane,
stooped and stumbling –
she’s not all there.
Her mind’s a trickster,
her ego a petulant child,
unwilling to concede wrong –
she’s merely the court jester.
(The Queen is Missing first appeared August of 2015.)
This strikes at the heart. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Liz! Not you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
At times, yes, when feeling defined by the outward appearance of age.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poignant and lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Well, one thing that is not missing is the brilliance of your writing! Excellent piece, V.J.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Eugenia! A fun write
LikeLike
That was terrific V.J. I feel like that some days! ππ God save the Queen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha – save her indeed! Thanks Christine!
LikeLike
This is a just Wow!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW WOW WOWWWWWW, VJ–you’ve knocked me over good again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gee thanks!
LikeLike
Well deserved–most welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Queen maybe missing
But long may the Queen live ……
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol…thanks Ivor.
LikeLike
Well nailed!
We’re all headed there:
… tottering down the lane
stooped and stumbling β
… mindβs a trickster,
ego a petulant child …
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha – went from the centre of the hive to the doddering fool. Thanks.
LikeLike
Great words and painting Val π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Elaine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
β€οΈβ€οΈ
LikeLike
This is so good VJ. On multiple levels. Because who is the Queen really? And the court jester? Merely each of us in varying disguise. At different points in time. β° π π€‘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! Thanks Andrea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
ππ
LikeLike
The Queen’s nose is missing as well. Life is hard…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lol… it is missing! Guess you can’t accuse me of being nosy.
LikeLiked by 1 person