Who has ever before seen such strong purpose
in the streets? Everyone’s fists are clenched.
Why such determination? Why do they march
in step? Their boots drum woodenly, like mallets.

No one looks to right or left. This is heady,
steadfast stuff. Jaws set, eyes glazed,
these cohorts provide answers to the doubters.
It would be very wrong to laugh. Hurrah.

Even the dogs have caught the mood.
There is a ferocious platoon of them
ghosting in formation along an alleyway.
Their teeth are bared They have a mission.

Children arrive. None is without a bold flag
or banner. You can actually smell
their commitment. It combines a fragrant whiff
of shoe-polish with a touch of disinfectant.

...

Who has ever before seen such a public display
of united purpose? We are falling over ourselves
to confirm our noble ideals. Soon we shall learn
the identity of those it will be necessary to hate.