2ndwitch

Red tape.

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I have long been puzzled about the colour red.
I understand that a red flag flying 
May mean that soldiers are firing bullets
In the near vicinity and avoidance is wise.
I understand that a red traffic light means
That one should, if one is being traffic, stop
And wait for a green light to say it is safe
To proceed, this seems sensible if you
Would prefer to avoid crashing into a bus.
But red is a bright colour, the colour of tulips,
And roses, a happy colour, cheerful and 
Redolent of Christmas and firelight.
So why, why, oh why, is 'red tape'
A phrase used to signify rules and
Regulations that hamper and impede
Everyday life?

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The prompt today was metonymy.