Competition: Occasional verse

In Competition No. 2722 you were invited to supply an all-purpose poem for state occasions. ‘What a strange competition,’ writes Elizabeth Llewellyn-Smith, ‘when the prize must inevitably go to Wendy Cope for her existing poem under the same title! Who is going to beat that one?’ Good point, Miss Llewellyn-Smith; Wendy Cope’s wry and witty poem does indeed set the bar high. In the event, most of you chose to play it straight, though there were a few notable exceptions. The winners earn £25 each. The bonus fiver is Brian Murdoch’s.

Lo!/Hail!/Arise!/Rejoice!/Kneel!/ Wonder!/Weep!
Let loyal crowds their loyal vigil keep
Along the route to our nation’s great shrine,
And let the sun be dimmed/ splendidly shine
In British skies, the weather heaven-sent,
For this (four syllables) sublime event!
Nor should the serried ranks forbear to cheer,
In honour of our great (insert name here),
As Britain lauds/remembers/mourns the fame
Of our beloved (title, rank and name).
We shall not see a day like this again
Nor share such memories/joy/nuptials/ pain,
Though generations fall and rise anew,
S/he will not be forgotten! (Will this do?)
Inscribe in gold this day of mighty deed!
(Delete, adapt or fill in words at need).