Mourning the Queen in Sark

In a tribute given by the Seigneur, Major Christopher Beaumont, he commented on the five times Her Majesty had visited the island, captured in photographs and remembered in trees planted and buildings opened. St Peter’s choir gave a moving rendition of the Nunc Dimittis, ably led by organist and choirmaster Kevin Adams, the readings being taken by the Seneschal Victoria Stamps and Speaker of Chief Pleas, Lt Col Reginald Guille. The Sark School children shared some lovely thoughts about the Queen, especially remembering Paddington Bear and marmalade sandwiches and the Minister of Sark, the Rev. David Stolton, shared a new poem he had especially composed for the occasion, reproduced below:

Mourning the Queen

Along river-banks the people flowed

A mere trickle, as memories shared,

A stream dancing with laughter

Despite the sombre destination.

A spring of duty and love

Bubbling through the surface of sadness

The need to be there

The need to meet

A gentle flood

Inexorably rippling through silent streets.

Sun scorched grass

With myriad colours was dressed

Gentle hands laying garlands

And messages, as if she might see

The love and loyalty

Painted on parks and by church doors.

Blooms refreshed by morning dew

Yet slowly fading

Like pastel memories

Of a past that has lost its rich colour.

Serried rows of red and gold

Marched in slow precision

The horses she loved

Hooves chattering on grey streets

As if sharing their loss.

Those closest to her

Sometimes in duty adorned

Other times darkly dressed

As if their grief could hide

‘Neath dark suits and lowered eyes.

Though distant still,

Sea and land stretching forth

From this jewelled isle

Where once her steps had trod,

Where once she in carriage rode

And crowds delight waved flags

And shouted greetings to a queen.

It is as if we are there,

On London’s streets,

In rivers of flowing crowds,

Amongst the flowers softly laid.

And we will weep

As she is laid to rest

Our memories all hold

That for us, she ever gave her best.

THE Rev. David Stolton