That badge I used to wear
defining me and mine
fell into disrepair
its colours faded
and then a new design
said “Wear me if you dare!”
and so I traded
that discontinued line
for the one in favour
and it pervaded
where ever it was greeted
and I would savour
its protective sheen
and could not be defeated
and I grew braver
and not a little mean
for I was seated
among the chairs of state
in the places to be seen
and thus my youth was spent
but then a wind of fate
blew sudden through the door
and all good will was sent
through door and porch and gate
and was my own no more
I don’t know where it went
and now I seek in vain
for that old badge I wore
that I’ll not wear again.