Dear diary :
January 21st , 1793 :
Today must have been the worst day of my entire life . My husband , my life partner , has been killed by the guillotine . There are so many moments I would do anything to keep in my mind forever . He was my best friend , the one person I could count on in the world . At least , I was able to say goodbye . We have been imprisoned together for months with our children and we were capable of talking to him before they took him . We could tell him how much we loved him and how much he will be missed . I am devastated , but I know I can ’ t feel weak forever . I need to be strong for him because that ’ s how he would like me to be if he was still here . I still need to fight for my life . I am in the Temple Prison and I can be taken to the Conciergerie at any moment . I need to spend my time with my children before they are taken away from me .
Yours truly , Marie Antoinette
October 16h , 1793 , 10 AM :
Dear diary :
Today I woke up and I realized how drastically life changed from when I started being a queen up to this moment . I realized I had everything : the love of my people , a husband , and luxuries of all kinds . I wore dresses of the most delicate fabrics , exhibited jewels made by the most skillful and experienced craftsmen , and ate the most sophisticated and nutritious food . I truly was a queen . Now I am in a prison , alone . The French people despise me . They see me as a traitor . They see me as someone who didn ’ t care about them , who let them die of hunger while I lived a luxurious life . It is true , in some parts . I had no control or moderation when it came to the money I spent but I was also lonely . What no one knew was how lonely I felt at the time since my husband and I weren ’ t close enough . I don ’ t expect people to feel sorry for me . I only want peace .
In a few minutes , I will be taken to the place of execution . My hair was chopped a few hours ago and I am now wearing a white dress . I feel like a completely different person now . I was asked if I had any regrets and I said I didn ’ t . I think I am innocent . I know I am innocent . I only feel sorry for my children who endured so much trauma and loss at such a young age . My heart will always be with them , with the monarchy , and with my precious France .
Yours truly , Marie Antoinette
By Nazareth Skierkier
14
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