Wednesday 8 April 2015

King Richard III (Part the Second)


Late last month, Richard's remains were reinterred at Leicester Cathedral in central England. However controversial or chequered Richard's history had been, the dignified ceremony befitted a king. The Poet Laureate of EnglandCarol Ann Duffy, wrote a beautiful, haunting poem for the event.


Richard
by Carol Ann Duffy

My bones, scripted in light, upon cold soil,
a human braille. My skull, scarred by a crown,
emptied of history. Describe my soul
as incense, votive, vanishing; your own
the same. Grant me the carving of my name.

These relics, bless. Imagine you re-tie
a broken string and on it thread a cross,
the symbol severed from me when I died.
The end of time -- an unknown, unfelt loss --
unless the Resurrection of the Dead . . .

or I once dreamed of this, your future breath
in prayer for me, lost long, forever found;
or sensed you from the backstage of my death
as kings glimpse shadows on a battleground.


The poem was read at the ceremony by Benedict Cumberbatch, himself a distant many-times-removed cousin of Richard's who will soon portray him in the BBC's Hollow Crown production of Shakespeare's Richard III (pictured above). And I can hardly wait -- it is my most favourite Shakespearean play!

Here is video of the poem being read:



So, King Richard, rest in peace while the battle continues on about your place in history. At least no one is driving over top of your grave and dripping oil on it anymore.

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

That poem is really great. Who knew that a centuries-gone king could inspire such artistry? It's too bad the modern monarchy doesn't walk around sporting crowns. I would, a crown is a good look. But I guess, too opulent?

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

Benedict Cumberbatch! What a great choice. He's a wonderful actor.

DEZMOND said...

I wonder how would all of his victims feel to see him buried so royally....

mxtodis123 said...

Awesome poem. I love the history of British monarchy. In working my genealogy I've found a few in my family tree. Wondering how I ended up where I am now. How time changes things!

Anonymous said...

food for thought for sure!

The Cranky said...

Oddly enough, I'm also a descendant of the Plantagenets. That and a couple of bucks might get me a cup of coffee, lol.

Denise Baer said...

I love that poem. Thanks for posting this event. I didn't hear about this ceremony.

Jeanne said...

The show should be good!

Anonymous said...

Lovely poem!
I agree with the other commenter. I'd like to see crowns worn more often...to the movies, at picnics, while sky diving...more crowns!

This N That said...

I could probably get in to all that history now that I am older..Some of it is very interesting..who did what to whom, etc..

yellowdoggranny said...

I still don't think he killed the princes..beautiful poem

John M said...

Beautiful ceremony.

Adam said...

I didn't know he was related to royalty

Magaly Guerrero said...

I'm extremely happy dearest Richard won't have to choking in oil anymore. It just isn't cool...

And then, there is Benedict!

Leanna said...

I'm listening to the poem. So cool that Benny is playing Richard III. Can't wait to see it.

Bill Lisleman said...

I don't know - supporting parked cars might be good use of a dead body. He might have warmed his bones with a bit of hot oil.

Hey, I have reduced my blog time lately but I did just write a post that mentions bees so I thought you might be interested.

Kamyria said...

That was a beautiful poem. The whole story is so interesting. :)

Miss Val's Creations said...

How fantastic! I never saw this in the news locally. But then again there are 2 major trials going on regionally that have been taking up much of the news.

Mary said...

Oh Benedict Cumberbatch is... HOT. And a wonderful actor. And HOT. Did I mention that? Oh yes, and I love Richard III the play too.

Unknown said...

Gah, I'm so jealous of how handsome that man is :P

Riot Kitty said...

Of course Benedict Cumberbatch is related to him! How did we not get this instantly?

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Benedict looks hot and intimidating.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Excellent poem, and I'm sure Benedict will give an outstanding performance!

Julie

CraveCute said...

It was interesting to see all the distant relatives show up at the funeral.

Jim said...

Rest in peace King Richard 111.

Magic Love Crow said...

Beautiful poem! Very interesting!

The Happy Whisk said...

I do enjoy his acting.