The last time I met her,
the Queen was on TV
reading a list of things
her Government meant to do.
She had remarried, of course.
Twice.
Not the sovereign, silly.
My ex.
She was now between husbands
and was missing sex.
I asked her if she wanted
to go for coffee and a piece of cake
but she replied that instead
she’d rather go to bed,
with me,
for old times’ sake.
I remembered the words
‘for better or for worse’
while she fumbled with her purse
hunting the key
for her pied-à-terre.
© Luigi Pagano 2008

Comments
Silver Spun Sand | September 3, 2008 - 13:41
Luigi - I think I have said this to you before, but you do get better and better;-)
Actually, talking about seeing the Queen, I did once. She walked down our local high street for a short way and then got into her car. She is much more petite than I envisaged her.
Anyway, I digress. Really enjoyed your poem. Thank you.
Tina xxxx
luigi_pagano | September 3, 2008 - 14:57
I have only seen the Queen on postage stamps and coins, oh and on the telly. She does indeed look petite. But I too digress. I am much obliged for your support.
Love, Luigi xxxx
tcook | September 3, 2008 - 15:47
I have met the Queen! I was filming an interview with her husband in Buckingham Palace. Whilst we were setting up I went out to the corridor to get a light filter. When I looked up there was a woman standing there in full evening dress and tiara at 11 o'clock in the morning. It was the Queen. I immediately blew it by calling her 'Your royal Higness' when any fule kno that you call her 'Your Majesty'. She asked me what I was doing, I told her and she said her husband would enjoy that. So I asked her what she was doing and she said she was on her way to a reception for the Portuguese Ambassador. She is very small - and she was very pleasant. I'm still a republican though.
chuck | September 3, 2008 - 16:09
And of course being a Sensitive New Age Male you obliged. Great poem luigi.
luigi_pagano | September 3, 2008 - 16:12
I say Tony! You do move in exalted circles. Have you got any gongs? Italy is a republic but the Italians don't connect with the president as the English do with the monarchy. There is so much tradition associated with it and somehow I don't think a republic would suit this country. Can you imagine a politician being head of state? I shudder at the tought. But this is my personal opinion.
Once again I digress. I am chuffed that this piece of mine was deserving of a cherry. Many thanks.
luigi_pagano | September 3, 2008 - 16:22
Hi Chuck. Nice to hear from you. Thanks for the compliment. Of course I obliged. It wouldn't do to disappoint a lady.
BTW I have read the blurb on your personal page and I totally disagree with your assertion that you are not an author because you are self published.
Of course you are. The simple fact that you have put pen to paper says so. Don't do yourself down.
It is very difficult to break into the mainstream publishing and many writers who went on to achieve fame had initially to resort to self-publishing.
tcook | September 3, 2008 - 16:24
I was the Producer of a Dispatches film on Channel 4 on Kids' Hearts and how they aren't growing properly because they didn't do enough exercise. The D of E is a big supporter of the Playing Fields Association and he gave a very forthright interview on why they shouldn't be sold off. It didn't do enough but I guess it was the best I could do!
ralph | September 3, 2008 - 16:29
What a smashing poem. Reminded me of John Hegley at his best.
I have of course met many Queens. Some of them are even right here on ABC Tales.
chuck | September 3, 2008 - 16:50
Don't be fooled by my phoney self-effacement luigi. I didn't even bother approaching 'real' publishers with 'Losing the Plot'. I know it's too far out for them. I actually have enormous confidence in my writing. Trouble is I'm the only one that does. :)
luigi_pagano | September 3, 2008 - 16:51
Hello Ralph. It is always pleasing to be compared to a renowned poet, but the only performance I do is reading aloud at our writers group.
Be careful about the Queens you mentioned: they may be sharpening their claws right now.
Many thanks for looking in.
ralph | September 3, 2008 - 17:35
I love those Queens.
But you should do more readings. You have an easy style, that can be presented well in front of a microphone.
Anyone else agree?
Macjoyce | September 4, 2008 - 09:21
Yeah, I reckon Luigi could go down really well in front of an audience. He has the common touch and wouldn't alienate people the way pretentious poets do.
www.myspace.com/norwichfacetransplant
luigi_pagano | September 5, 2008 - 09:10
Mac, you rascal. How did you know that I could go down really well?
Macjoyce | September 8, 2008 - 22:49
Not that sort of going down. Although you could always incorporate it into your act.
www.myspace.com/norwichfacetransplant