Sentinel

A second year in the chair, a sword with a blade nobody cleans, and the theatre next to the pub.

Then, now, always

An evening at the French embassy, and the long way back to the Island.

A fife and drum corps, four hundred at dinner, and a floor finished by feet.

Truman’s ring, the floor of the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court.

A borrowed collar, the gavel that laid the Capitol’s cornerstone, and the first English lodge here in two centuries.

A seven o’clock coach for a ten minute walk, and a founding document nobody can read.

All of Washington in one loop, a starling with opinions, and one of my countries in granite.

Two great clubs, an hour in the room where it started, and twenty four Coronas.

A fife and drum party, seven lodge rooms, and a firearms deposit beside the cloakroom.

A bell made in London, a Prussian Washington, and a day spent away from the programme.