11. A Foreseeable Future

For the foreseeable future it is proposed

a military junta be imposed:

refrain from panic, please remain calm,

carry on, carry on, you’ll come to no harm.

Some things will change, your routine – true -

do not mention the “strict-curfew”.

Identity Cards will be issued soon,

before the start of the waning moon.

On request your papers should be produced,

our policemen cannot be bribed or traduced.

There is no question of stop-and-search:

(the police and the army have issued the birch).

Carry on with your business, the same as before

and you need not fear the knock at the door.

Any non-persons should ideally display

their nationality badge, beginning today.

There will be no rationing of essential goods,

some security forces may have to wear hoods

in the course of their duty of community care

when removing protesters from Leicester Square.

Its charter revoked, the BBC is disbanded.

Our nationalised press will be even-handed.

An internet permit will require some checks

as will aid and benefits for either sex.

Alcohol is served in sector bars,

you are still permitted the use of your cars

in the upright pursuance of government toil

regardless of whether there is any oil.

Music Hall Theatre is free of charge

to holders of the Culture Card.

The bill of citizen’s just rewards

will allow, for some, the carriage of swords.