2019, by Harry Gallagher

(With apologies to Orwell)

..

On a warmer than normal

Autumnal morning,

the clocks all struck thirteen.

No one heard as England dreamed

of Spitfires and bunting,

streetparties, fox-hunting.

..

Somewhere in the distance,

three doors down your street,

bobbies on the beat

whistled a merrie tune,

while loosening bricks,

smithereening the front door

of planet-hugging peaceniks.

..

No warrant needed,

no cause for alarm,

a warning well-heeded

will keep you from harm.

..

When the siren calls, muster

in the Churchill Pavillion,

repeat after the speaker

from one to a million:

..

There was only ever one Winston

There was only ever one Winston

There was only ever one Winston….

..

..

“Extinction Rebellion eco-warriors arrested as police batter down doors in raids….”