Three Scores And Ten (A Platinum Jubilee Like No Other)

By Abubakar D. Sani, Esq.

As anniversaries go, this one is a once-in-a-lifetime – it’s that rare;
That is what Her Majesty, the Queen celebrates today;
In ceremonies across the world, particularly within her domain;
Ordinary people trooped out to honour a noble, dignified sovereign

Elizabeth Regina – or, simply Queen Elizabeth, the 2nd;
You’d search in vain for a monarch more suited for the part;
In a role which has broken even men before her –
She’s excelled as if it’s second nature;

Doubly commendable, given the tumult among her children;
She has outlived countless politicians and Governments;
Even more wars, fads and fashion trends;
And survived personal loss – her Prince Charming – no less

Through it all, she’s carried herself with stoic dignity;
The like of which is virtually unknown;
This is surely a testament to Her Majesty’s spirit;
Which has enabled her to soldier on, even if physically bowed.

So, the goodwill and the celebrations of Her Platinum Jubilee are in order;
For, Her Majesty is a beacon of stability, propriety and rectitude –
In a world with a seemingly constant flow of new-normals;
Nothing shocks anymore – except to the naive and the prude

She represents tradition, history, and a link with the past;
Something we all share – regardless of race or creed;
A time when life was easier, tastes simpler and, worries fewer;
Her Majesty reminds us of how we’ve all derailed, profoundly

So, for those who still doubt the Queen’s relevance in this age –
It is no more than the ideal which we all ought to embrace:
Innovative and forward-looking, but still connected to our values;
That way, we would have won the ‘war’, not just a series of ‘battles’.

Abubakar D. Sani, Esq.
Kano-Nigeria
2nd June, 2022