There's gladness in the crowd
but also the sublime madness of worship
and of freedom, subordination too
to something somehow superior
an outpouring overdue.
There's the unsung song stirring again
the serving horses, the unquestioning
of the display under control,
pecking orders strategically followed,
even the skies look up,
and those in the know
will say this is a choice we have
to be part of the great succession.
Subservience and service somehow combine even as they appear
at odds. That is the essence of the institution of Royalty in this
country...a unifying prescne that takes us with it above the
street fighting of politics and its mundane squabbling and ego-tripping that pemeates the temporary power syndrome..
Homage is a peculiar act and succession similarly so.
Both smack of subservience and a passivity that I find shameful.
‘Even the skies look up’ a great line!
Mon 6th Jun 2022 22:25
A beautifully nuanced poem, Ray! 🌷
I like this, Ray. 'the sublime madness of worship' is a phrase for our times.
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raypool
Wed 8th Jun 2022 11:11
Thanks Stephen. Glad that worked!
Good to get your comment Holden, thanks so much.
That's an interesting point about homage Graham. So much of it is woven into our perceptions though and expected of us in a way, which I normally defy as much as possible, like yourself. It certainly has the whiff of control about it creating an artificial distance between us and an elevated state. I found this when I started work and was visited by the directors and the red carpet. It suits those in power to have us in that passive state.
Thanks for your thoughts Mark. I suppose the unifying presence you mention is more a state of mind made effective by consensus than an actual requirement. The structure of state obviously has to have a balance, and i'm sure that the monarchy would not be the same if it descended to mere considerations of communities, however much it pretends to. So I view all through the same cynical lens i'm afraid. As to the motivations of politics, they are certainly more short lived than the prevailing monarchy. One thing that bothers me is the close association with the Church, which gives a kind of sense of blessing often at odds with the facts. It remains to be seen if the retro image of the latest brood will prevail! (haircuts and sailor suits to the fore).
Thank you Frederick, John and K.Lynn for likes.
Ray