Passing

The Muster, by Kate Vale (UK) 2024

Is She, bright white in carriage throned,

Her troops en masse, strict ranks conform,

beneath a Standard pennant flag,

as if, as passed, fresh wight in form?

Marks fluid, inked, is this tattoo -

like passings out to past belong -

the military, best of show,

prefigured, not as go along.

Assembled, gathered on parade,

so passing muster, tourist too,

the knee high view of passer-by;

I hear the sounds, as sight, ring true.

Clipped hooves clop, stirrups, reigns that guide?

You know that clank - boots, rifles, steel;

attest lies with vox populi -

Divine right rooted - service zeal?

Published by The Ekphrastic Review, 6th September 2024