Words cannot suffice for us to show,
The depth of gratitude that we all know,
Now that you’re gone we feel bereft,
With many thoughts that we are left,
To mourn your passing and reflect,
On how you gave us your love and respect.
Each passing day since you have gone,
Brings memories to us, both short and long,
As people everywhere will say,
You were always with us every day,
You gave a sense of peace and calm,
And spoke to us to ally alarm.
When times were bad your calming voice,
Reminded us we have a choice,
To stand together and carry on,
With strength, and dignity and aplomb,
You kept us safe by being there,
Through stormy weather and through fair.
We thank you from the depth of our hearts,
Across the world in foreign parts,
As nations join to bid farewell,
So many stories they can tell,
Of what to them, you’ve always been,
Our rock, our guide, our much-loved queen.
Angela Spence,
Chemainus
