Scarborough Royal Guard

THE ROYAL GUARDSMAN

For honour and for glory,
On guard for hours I stand,
Regardless of the weather,
Or the weight of pike in hand

I answer patrons questions,
And guide them on their way,
And hold their children enraptured,
With tales of bygone days

With aching feet, but spine upright,
On duty do I stand,
Knowing that I'm one of many,
My companions, a stalwart band

Whether alone or with my comrades,
Whether noticed, or unseen,
I stand on guard for Scarborough
Proudly clad in sash of green

Through the heat and through the swelter,
Watching all who passes nigh,
Seeking from the sun no shelter,
If my charges are nearby

For no financial compensation
Do I labor and perspire,
For no worldly goods nor material gain
Is this Guardsman's heart's desire

'Tis for a kind word from His Majesty,
Do I stand with pike agleam
But mostly do I stand on guard,
For a touch and a smile from my Queen.

Sir Matthew Sharpe
Yeoman of His Majesty's Royal Guard
May 2005