I love the way you ruled. I love how you rode
into battle in your white velvet dress,
knowing exactly the effect it would have.
I love that you rode into battle. I love
that you wept while you spoke. I love
that you knew that in order to win, your troops
must feel part of a whole.
Elizabeth, you were the best Elizabeth
you knew how to be. That
is what I aspire to, also—though I have no
desire to rule a country. Nor a city.
Nor a business. Not even a man.
But I still have much to learn
about ruling this woman I am.
And I love how no one could anticipate you—
you who surprised every prince, every king.
Elizabeth, I have no horse to ride,
and I will never have a castle to rent,
but you teach me the weight of armor,
and when to take it off. You teach me when
to employ all my weapons
and when to let story reign.
And when to let others do the work.
And when to give my own blood.