Lady Jane Grey Poem by Maggie Jacob

Her father rebuked her
She was not a son
Her mother accused her
For deeds undone

Yet she was loved and raised
With proud education
Oh what a waste
Of a heart and brain!

With her neck on the block
She was down on her knees
The axe went 'chop! '
Her existence ceased

In the flower of her youth
She was only sixteen
So beautiful, so wise
And innocent she'd been

She didn't want the crown
So full of integrity
But it brought her down
Damned with pity

With her head on the block
Her emotions seized
The axe went 'Chop! '
Blood flowed like a breeze

Oh what a waste
Of love and affection
Just so the Queen
Would have satisfaction

She put her head on the block
Prayed on her knees
Then the axe went chop
And her spirit was freed