Lee Reynolds is always scribbling poems on the back of envelopes. Rhymes for an appreciative local audience, verses for friends and family on special occasions.
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When she penned a poem for Queen Elizabeths 90th birthday, she never expected it to actually reach Her Majesty.
Mrs Reynolds and husband Lachlan celebrated the Queens milestone birthday with with a garden party and English-style meal in Forbes.
Mrs Reynolds had composed a poem for the event and shared it with friends there one of whom took it upon herself to send a copy off to Buckingham Palace for Her Majestys enjoyment.
Gillian Davis also included a copy of Our Queen Mum which Mrs Reynolds wrote on the occasion of the royal matriarchs passing.
Lee has a wonderful talent writing poems about people and events she is very fond of, with love, humour and sensitivity, Ms Davis wrote in her letter of introduction.
Both Lee and husband Lachie are an exceptionally kind and generous couple, always helping others, their tireless voluntary work endears them to everyone in the Forbes community.
Mrs Davis was delighted to receive a beautiful card and letter in response, which she presented to the Reynolds at Tuesdays College for Seniors meeting.
Mrs Reynolds, who is a loyal admirer of the Queen, was overwhelmed as the following letter on behalf of Her Majesty was read out, with apologies for the delay in response.
The Queen wishes me to thank you for your letter and the message you sent for her Majestys 90th birthday, together with the two poems
I think you will be pleased to know The Queen is touched by the care Mrs Reynolds has taken to compose her thoughtful verses to mark Her Majestys special milestone and greatly appreciates your thought to include the poem entitled Our Queen Mum.
Her Majesty was interested to know Mr and Mrs Lachlan Reynolds were recently recognised for their years of voluntary work in the community by Forbes Ipomoea Rotary Club and to hear of the activities of the U3A in Forbes including weekly walks around the wildlife haven of Forbes Lake guided by Leader Lachie.
The Queen is most grateful for your good wishes, and I am to thank you very much for your kind words and thoughtfulness in writing as you did. - Mary Morrison, Lady in Waiting.
The Reynolds had had no idea the verses had been sent on to Buckingham Palace and said they were very humbled.
The Queen
On her 90th birthday
By Lee Reynolds
Your Majesty, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, we give you salutations
As you reach this momentous milestone, and our hearty congratulations.
Over your 90 years, you've lived an exemplary life,
As our Queen, and as a loving daughter, sister,
mother, grand, great grand and wife
To your handsome Prince Charming, who's stood dutifully by your side,
as your lover, protector and guide,
Not an easy role for him, but he's lent a semblance of normality
Within the gilded cage of protocol, duty and formality, With his quick wit and often in hot water for his outspokenness
Maybe you were often not amused when his controversial comments made it to the press.
What other young girl would promise on her 21st birthday to serve her country her whole life through,
And have such a responsibility on her shoulders, but you've kept your promise true.
Through all the horrors of the world and your own family tribulations,
You've never faltered, but shown dignity and been a rock of solidarity within our fractured nations.
Happy birthday Queenie, Ma'am, God bless: we give you our devotion
And hope you feel strong vibes from a group of fans in Forbes, a little town across the ocean.
Our Queen Mum
By Lee Reynolds
A tough cookie they called our Queen Mum, Beneath that smile and sense of fun,
Under those hats of plumes and roses, And between those photographic poses.
But oh! How we loved her, So gracious and serene,
As she took her place beside her king, In every sense a queen.
She lived a life of duty, Put her own needs on the shelf,
She vowed to serve her country, Before she served herself.
Her beauty and her radiance, She portrayed her whole life through,
As she proudly centuried on, Towards one hundred and two.
We'll miss that gracious lady, The Royal Matriarch,
Who dazzled all her subjects, With her very special spark.
Amidst a world in tatters, She appeared like a shining star,
Showing warmth and love and courage, To her people near and far.
So farewell gracious lady, You've been an inspiration.
And we wish you peaceful slumbers, From right around the nation.