16. [First we lost it in a storm in 1633,]

First we lost it in a storm in 1633, 
along with our claim to imperial status,
a lake in the Ozarks,
a documentation license &
32 four-inch blade propellers.

If you believe the legends though,
we’re secretly in cahoots.

This time around, 
we’ve commissioned a freight line 
& drummed up the will to try everything.

We’re just going to return it all 
& see what sticks.

We’re giving up 
that interim airport code,
the company theme song,
all the purged staffs, 
any leftover conquistadors,
& the habit of erecting statues.
 
We’ve kept only this clipping
of our gaud-bedecked façade
(its five windows crowned
by coats of arms & flapping flags)
to remember our lush reign 
in its flourishing age, 
how festooned we were, & puttoed.