The Formula

Its formula escapes you; it has lost

The certainty that constitutes a thing.

—W. H. Auden, “Brussels in Winter”

Born into the British Empire,

George VI was king-emperor—

His face was on our postage stamps.

Men died for him at Alamein and Singapore.

The empire is long gone today—

His Royal Navy’s ships are sunk;

While in an office far away

A hulking figure dims the lamps

And wonders what great power’s for.

Thursday, April 24, 2025