La Grande Dame Poem by Francie Lynch

A triumphant voice denotes
A life leaving this room.
We should not be surprised:
It tells us:

I once was there where many stories
filled shelves.

And now, another memory
Is another treasure
To be mined in days of leisure.

We join in exultation.

There is less serious work afoot now.
We step in and out of shadows
Cast by the sun filtering through
Her tree and picture window.
Shadows, that reach many rooms.

She and I were present
In many of Shakespeare's tombs.
Together we witnessed Royalty paraded:
Elinore, Lear, Macbeth, The Dane.

Her lineage is confirmed.
Our busy stage is less crowded
With the exit of La Grande Dame,
Elizabeth.