Martin Stannard
The Bed We Die On
A blanket of snow covers Suffolk,
Crisp and white. Today, Mr and Mrs Stannard
Are to he visited by H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II
And they are busy putting out the flags
In anticipation, the children are sprucing
Themselves, for this is a great family occasion.
Dear Aubrey, the dresser you left us
when you died looks temendous in Jane’s rom.
Is it an antique or just really old?
I really belive in protecting our heritage.
But how damned English cold it is: thank God
For those men who dig coal out of the ground.
The Queen will understand why it is we greet her
Wrapped in tufty scarves and wearing mittens.
H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II looks resplendent
And the Stannard family look okay also, and proud
As Suffolk Punches when Her Majesty runs a gloved
Finger along the rim of a dresser in Jane’s room
And remarks upon the great qualities of British dust.
Then the monarch’s eye is caught by the bed:
What a beautiful old bed, she says. And Mr Stannard
Replies, ‘It’s the bed the Stannards die on. Always
Have and always will, I hope.’ The Queen is impressed,
And says something appropriate about Tradition.
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Page(s) 37
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