Poet Laureate marks death of Queen Elizabeth II

Simon Armitage, Professor of Poetry at Leeds' School of English, has written a poem to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II, in his role as Poet Laureate. Floral Tribute by Simon Armitage. Evening will come, however determined the late afternoon, Limes and oaks in their last green flush, pearled in September mist. I have conjured a lily to light these hours, a token of thanks, Zones and auras of soft glare framing the brilliant globes. A promise made and kept for life - that was your gift - Because of which, here is a gift in return, glovewort to some, Each shining bonnet guarded by stern lance-like leaves. The country loaded its whole self into your slender hands, Hands that can rest, now, relieved of a century's weight. Evening has come.