Wortley Clutterbuck: ‘The Cockade’

The Cockade

You’re going to wear it or we’ll cite
that you’re somebody from the Right;
we’re looking at the hat you wear—
if I were you, I’d have a care.

Attach that cockade right away—
be cautious what you do or say;
these are the days when neighbors can
determine how long’s your lifespan.

The King upheld the status quo
and pinned one on his posh chapeau;
’tis said the Queen was not so fond
and scorned it, as did the beau monde.

But all these fops, they wouldn’t dare
reject it in the open air;
you’re either leaving France, or you’ll
be having to adopt the rule.

There’s mobs of people in the street
who ain’t inclined much to entreat;
they’re wearing cockades, and if you
want peace of mind, you’ll wear one too.

The shopkeepers who sell the bread
made sure the cockade is widespread;
they’re hoping that they can avoid
their storefronts ending up destroyed.

The symbol is most partisan—
trying shunning it, you’ll get turned in;
“you’re either one of us, or not”—
I hear that freedom’s the upshot.

The cockade soon will be the law
enforceable by severed jaw—
it’s like a national vaccine
to ward off the dread guillotine.

Wortley Clutterbuck