An Heir

[YRKB]

Imperial woman;
Empty womb.
Higher most,
You, still - are only sheltered from your subjects'
Un-stemmed pity
Your courtiers' callous exchange -
When, before you, these faces are bowed.

Superior;
Your silk and Chantilly gowns,
Your gemstones - your graces -
Undisputed;
Appear in them,
to all functions -
For due attention, and,
Temporary reverence.
Yet - will no little son,
The future to be -
Ever,
As your doll-sized escort come?

Imperial woman,
Or, Imperial quite alone -
Without an heir,
All pleasures taken,
Are endlessly to seem,
So unfortunately...
Undeserved.
For, you Queen -
were given to -
in turn -
give this House,
this Country,
an Institution...
So much more
Than just yourself.

Without reprieve;
Still awaited,
An heir.

Copyright Yafeu-Khamisi Rodway-Brown