A queen by proxy, fate's unkind decree,
No love ignited in her husband's eye.
Anne of Cleves, her gentle spirit free,
A pawn in politics, she learned to sigh.
The King's desire, a portrait's fair deceit,
He found no beauty in the flesh and bone.
The marriage faltered, bitter and incomplete,
A royal union, coldly overthrown.
Yet Anne, with grace, accepted her release,
A generous settlement, her comfort won.
No bitter words, no vengeful, sharp increase,
But quiet strength beneath the setting sun.
A sister to the King, her title gained,
A life of peace, though love she ne'er attained.