Ode to Princess Diana, Stretched Sonnet or Ballad in Iambic Tetrameter Options

[Larry]

This was written over 20 years ago, a week or so after the paparazzi caused the wreck which took Diana’s life in Paris. I figured, seeing as how all the television specials aired a tribute to her, I would like to add my two cents. This might be considered a ballad or a “Stretched Sonnet” in iambic tetrameter; whichever you like.





Ode to Princess Diana

Grief flows from souls! A molten stream
falls down upon a world-wide wreath
as anguished wails rise like a dream
to God from mourners’ hearts beneath.

Her shortened life, romance and fame
was ended as from fears she fled;
though mother of two kings, the same.
Earth’s fragrant flower now lies dead.

Great deeds achieved with more to give
the sick and poor; brought hope's bright rays.
Plucked from life's path where she could live;
the long night fell upon her days.

Bright streams of flowers, laid with care,
were tributes from their grief and love.
The whole world paused in silent prayer
as Heaven praised a rose above.

[Psyche]

What a lovely tribute to Princess Di, the people's Queen of Hearts. Did you know that, amongst the loads of flowers placed at the gates of Buckingham Palace by weeping people, there were dozens of actual cards of the Queen of Hearts?

Diana had once said that she didn't aspire to be a Royal Highness any more, as that right had already been taken away from her, so she would be pleased to be the people's Queen of Hearts, just that.

Adding to your list of charities or foundations she headed, was the Aids Foundation and a Mental Health charity, both of which pissed off the Queen. She visited lepers and shook hands with them, in poor countries. She had no problem holding poverty stricken children in her lap, wherever she visited. I'm convinced that she did it due to her enormous empathy with these people, which included the elderly in Britain... and so on.

Did you get to see the documentary aired on the 20th. anniversary of her death? I was able to see it on NatGeo channel in English, as well as on local TV programs, but dubbed into Spanish. I was somewhat amazed at the softness of her spoken voice, even when she was asked about the worst periods of her life, especially Charles's infidelity with Camilla.

"... Bright streams of flowers, laid with care,
were tributes from their grief and love.
The whole world paused in silent prayer
as Heaven praised a rose above."

Just love these lines, so true. She was loved worldwide. Both her wedding and her funeral were televised to millions of people. So sad...

Thanks for sharing your stretched sonnet with us, after so many years.
Best.
Syl***