Elizabeth Windsor was a symbol of many individual virtues. She was the epitome of grace, wisdom, and strength. I do not remember her taking a single misstep in public. Although it is possible that the media simply never shared those missteps publicly or framed them in such a way that they were not seen as missteps. She had a duty, one I do not think I could have met with the same aplomb. She was undeniably an admirable individual. She carried a tremendous weight for decades. She was truly a remarkable person. I wish she had had more real power.

Elizabeth Windsor was also used as a shield for the many atrocities carried out through empiricism and elitism; though she never partook in those atrocities personally. I believe. She appeared to have both a strong mind and sense of right and wrong. To my mind she was a cherished and admired political prisoner. Her life was not her own. She was a hostage to the system, although clothed and housed enviably. Symbolically she was the head of the Commonwealth but had to sit silently and watch as the Commonwealth was captured and corrupted, and those she was told were her charge mis-used.

She was a caring granny to all of us in a house of dysfunction. I love her and thank her for all she was able to do in her position.

The parliamentary(party) system must be changed to truly serve the will and best interests of the people. Royalty is an anachronism. All political positions should be elected and beholden to those that elected them. That is something written into just about every constitution and yet it makes me sound like revolutionary to say so.

62

Such it is with shame and guilt
Accomplishment and penance

There is no jewel, precious metal, or fine clothing
That can wash the skin clean

One becomes increasingly burdened
Cloaked, dirty, and heavy
Sweat on the brow
The weight of façade carried
Only adds to the stench

The Tao is a river
Immerse yourself in her depths
All comes clean
Shame and guilt wash away
As though they were never there

Link to Spoken Word