Directly about the Queen:
* "The Queen" by Carol Ann Duffy: This poem, written after the Queen's death, uses a bold metaphor of the monarch as a "still point" in the ever-changing world, emphasizing her longevity and stability.
* "The Queen's Speech" by Imtiaz Dharker: This poem offers a more nuanced look at the Queen's role, considering both the power and the limitations of her position.
* "Queen Elizabeth" by Simon Armitage: Armitage's poem reflects on the Queen's life and impact on the UK, using vivid imagery and personal reflections.
* "The Queen: A Poem" by John Agard: Agard's poem offers a humorous and insightful take on the Queen's life and legacy, blending historical context with contemporary observations.
Poems about the Royal Family and the Monarchy:
* "The Crown" by Jackie Kay: This poem explores the complexities of the monarchy and its relationship to the public, using the crown as a symbol of both power and responsibility.
* "Diana" by Maya Angelou: While not directly about the Queen, this poem reflects on the relationship between Diana and the royal family, and the pressures they faced.
Poems exploring the themes of power, duty, and legacy:
* "The Hours" by Michael Donaghy: This poem examines the passage of time and the weight of history, themes that resonate with the Queen's long reign.
* "The Gift" by W.H. Auden: Although written before the Queen's reign, Auden's poem explores the complex relationship between leaders and their people, a theme relevant to the Queen's role as a symbol of national unity.
Beyond these examples, you can find many contemporary poems that explore themes relevant to Queen Elizabeth's life, reign, and the changing world she lived in:
* Poems about national identity and the evolving role of the monarchy
* Poems about historical change and the transition from Empire to Commonwealth
* Poems about the role of women in power and the changing landscape of gender roles
It's important to remember that modern poetry is diverse and offers many different perspectives. These poems, alongside other contemporary works, offer a rich tapestry of responses to the Queen's life and legacy.
To find more specific poems, you can search online databases like Poetry Foundation, or consult anthologies of contemporary British poetry. You can also explore individual poets' websites and publications for their work on the Queen.