Federal Poles

The crude New Jersey barricades
Have almost had their day.
To guard against the terrorists
We've found a better way.

Ornate metal colonnades
Now do the job with taste.
Each with the seal of this great land
In front and back is graced.

No doubt the usual cozy deals
Have added to their cost,
But what's priceless is
The innocence we've lost. 

David Martin

See also:

Washington Green Zone

I Wandered with a Wrought-up Mind

Protection Racket