‘We regret such draconian measures, of course,
But the plain fact is that an army must eat.’
Then a smug little bureaucrat butchers the horse
That would power a plough on acres of wheat.
‘For the Sake of Security Here and at Home
Please plan your arrival two hours before flights.’
Then a berk requisitions your clippers and comb
‘To teach them the meaning of human rights.’
‘I require these Emergency Powers for a year
For our War upon Terror— with all that implies.’
Then the wisdom of centuries curtsies to fear,
And Democracy’s watchdog rolls over— and dies.