The Wedding

Parry’s ghost was glad – Now that everybody knew him From the surging wave of Britishness That thundered from The double ophicleide. More Parry – Articulating pride throughout the play Of choir and strings; And yet again! – Hailing glory in the crash of cymbals. Interspersed, other British geniuses That cast our land in music. So British, all so British! This wedding of patriots Swathed in sovereignty Bursting in its rebirth Shared with crowds of carers, revellers, The curious; Phantoms Horses HD TVs Bearskins Digital radios Royal coaches; Yet this anachronistic family saw it work. Like children we acted out a bygone age, Wallowed in an ancient Empire – Tears of pride usurped recent confusion, Austerity, ambiguity – We understood anew the need for royalty! Their betrothal gave coherence As our standards flowed with purpose In the laughing breeze. But then I saw the carbines And shuddered at reality: The paradox of modern Britain. Copyright © Mark R Slaughter 2011 marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage marriage