with grace, head held high
she carries herself serenely
(King Charles walked and talked
half an hour after…)
unassailably regal as those who have learned
to ignore homemade bombs peasants
pitch in their faces
she carries herself
no support
she knows
she knows
she believes them, and believing
will never trust again
moving?
as if on castors, slightly stiff but
caring?
unbowed. Steadfast, her face composed
grey-eyed
she must know
dry-eyed
who’ll help?
dignity a shell