We launch an armada over the table,
Tenpenny pieces and tuppeny bits,
Flotilla of shillings, spinning, spinning,
Blazing spheres of space and light.
Worlds hypnotic, gyroscopic.
Orbs in motion. Moon and ocean.
Energy, savagery. Waves and gravity.
See how the mighty come clattering down:
Clattering, flattening, turning to sound,
To George – Five, Six – Elizabeth,
Hula-hoop monarchs that rattle and roll.
Imperial, decimal – all die the same:
“Off with their heads, Nanna! Spin them again!”