De Rigueur

A modern major model
              of imperial warring means
the basic combination
              of economic siege
                     and financial blockade

is perhaps as indispensable
to the reprehensible hegemon's
                            parasitic pirate ways
as stealth is for cats
                     when stalking their prey


and every bit as de rigueur
              as wealth and big hats
                     on flamboyant display

in the stands at the track
              at the very crowning hour
                     and flower of Derby Day.