The Poet laureate pays tribute to The Late Queen Elizabeth II - Simon Armitage

19 September, 2022

Floral Tribute

Evening will come, however determined the late afternoon,
Limes and oaks in their last green flush, pearled in September mist.
I have conjured a lily to light these hours, a token of thanks,
Zones and auras of soft glare framing the brilliant globes.
A promise made and kept for life – that was your gift –
Because of which, here is a gift in return, glovewort to some,
Each shining bonnet guarded by stern lance-like leaves.
The country loaded its whole self into your slender hands,
Hands that can rest, now, relieved of a century’s weight.

Evening has come. Rain on the black lochs and dark Munros.
Lily of the Valley, a namesake almost, a favourite flower
Interlaced with your famous bouquets, the restrained
Zeal and forceful grace of its lanterns, each inflorescence
A silent bell disguising a singular voice. A blurred new day
Breaks uncrowned on remote peaks and public parks, and
Everything turns on these luminous petals and deep roots,
This lily that thrives between spire and tree, whose brightness
Holds and glows beyond the life and border of its bloom.

SIMON ARMITAGE
Poet laureate

Our city London

Our city, London, Air Ambulance is a Charity. They need more support, the minimum is £8 per month, but it’s the continuation of the support that is important.

We all know that cyclists are still vulnerable and these modernised helicopters are called to the accident sights across the city.

Click link below for more information.

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