The Albert Memorial

 

Pharaoh-like, golden, seated on a throne

Within that high pavilion wrought by hands

Heavy, Victorian (George Gilbert Scott),

The dead Consort surveys his dream: a land

 

Of learning – Albertopolis museums,

Offshoot of that other vision (crystal

Creation), British craft boasting to

Empire and world. Come, gaze at what we made.

 

Now, see that girl there on the grass in front

Of the memorial: striving almost

As Albert would have wished – trying hard

To do a handstand.  Up; two seconds’ thrust

 

And then she’s down.  So up again.  A split

Second longer this time.  Kicks up once more,

Straightens her legs; holds still; unfolds back down.

Try on!  Cry of a dead Consort’s stone lips.