On Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Poem by Roy Ballard

When our lives were long of lease
and our prospects were alarming
she was with us, war and peace.
When the whole world was rearming,
when the bombs began to fall,
when there seemed no hope at all
she was there without a fuss,
in a uniform like us.

Shepherds never built a fold
that could guarantee their sheep;
every hurdle can be holed.
Round the realm assassins creep,
bringing terror and defection,
vexing to a sovereign's sleep.
With a long and wide affection,
sixty years and fifty nations,
she deserves our celebrations.

Bring on flowers, banners, bunting,
marching soldiers, big ships hooting,
parties, galas, airplane-stunting,
bonfires, fireworks, gun-saluting,
flags aloft on poles and gables,
bands of brass with fifers fluting,
pies and jellies, trestle tables,
oxen roasters, sausage fryers,
revelry, celestial choirs
and everything that she desires.