Protocol for the Queen of Spain

Protocol for the Queen of Spain

The queen of Spain must not look out the window

her ladies-in-waiting would not approve.

The queen of Spain does not go walking

no rhythm mars her fixed appearance.

The queen of Spain at a reception

there is no reception without the queen.

The queen of Spain in black and velvet

embellished with metallic lace.

Enclosed within her cone of fabric

she anticipates the psychiatric

motionless before a mirror

idle gossip ever near her

she plays for time; inquires of the hour

how to be a basis for the balancing of power.

The queen at mass, devoted

how gracefully her hands are folded

uplifted chin, she tongues the bread

indifferent as to how she’s fed

a brief hiatus from the bidding of her king

she prays, she longs: to be sitting on a swing.