“THE crown translates a woman to a Queen - endless gold, circling itself, an O like a well, fathomless, for the years to drown in - history's bride, anointed, blessed, for a crowning. One head alone can know its weight, on throne, in pageantry, and feel it still, in private space, when it's lifted: not a hollow thing, but a measuring; no halo, treasure, but a valuing; decades and duty. Time-gifted, the crown is old light, journeying from skulls of kings to living Queen. Its jewels glow, virtues; loyalty's ruby, blood-deep; sapphire's ice resilience; emerald evergreen; the shy pearl, humility. My whole life,whether it be long or short, devoted to your service. Not lightly worn.”
