Grief and Memory
by Michael Doyle

Admittedly, I have never really been one
To follow the lives of those holding celebrity
For the most part, when it's all said and done
I've had even less time for British royalty

But the turn of news imparted quite recently
Deserves more than ever to be treated with dignity
After so many whispered wounds into TV comedy
It turns out a young lady is stricken with malady

Cancer is no stranger as it practices its cruelty
It has decimated many members of my close family
We've all learned that we are as strong as we must be
I, for one, earnestly pray this is not Kate's end story

Casual jeans and a striped sweater found her on a beach
To share her modest truth and not to posture or preach
Processing a strong mindset, and not one of regret
But of hope and dignity, the likes of which is not to forget

But to remember and allow it to set an example to follow
Of a mother with young children, desperately in need of tomorrow
I know that I am not alone in cursing late night and paparazzi 
For bleeding false headlines for profit and mocking the tragedy

That comes to be the end for so many friends, foes, and unknown
In times that most need compassion and yet no mercy is shown
Let's not allow Kate Middleton to crash into her underpass
But instead, let's reject the unfeeling and critically crass

Colbert's tabloid leanings managed to spill the staining tea
Of a man whose conspiracy theories pass as unvarnished comedy
But, like so many of us who could use a healthy dose of decency
The supper sung for should be tuned toward needed civility

It's not surprising that some criticize in their mediocrity
That Kate Middleton and her family lacked a glossy media strategy
Perhaps these mongrels need to face-down their own tragedy
So that they can afford others needed respect and dignity

(c) March 22, 2024   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved