The Throne

The Throne is a poem written by the poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy. It was composed for the service held at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 2013 in occasion of the 60th anniversary of .
The poem
The crown translates a woman to a Queen -
endless gold, circling itself, an O like a well,
fathomless, for the years to drown in - history’s bride,
anointed, blessed, for a crowning. One head alone
can know its weight, on throne, in pageantry,
and feel it still, in private space, when it’s lifted:
not a hollow thing, but a measuring; no halo,
treasure, but a valuing; decades and duty. Time-gifted,
the crown is old light, journeying from skulls of kings
to living Queen.
Its jewels glow, virtues; loyalty’s ruby,
blood-deep; sapphire’s ice resilience; emerald evergreen;
the shy pearl, humility. My whole life, whether it be long
or short, devoted to your service. Not lightly worn.
Themes
The poem makes a clear reference to the Imperial State Crown. The poet compares its wordly significance to the solemn bond that binds the sovereign to its predecessors.

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