Riddle V

Emancipator     and memorial
our face and flip-side;     once there was wheat,
lately a shield,     latin-logoed.
We're made in metal,     first vermillion,
age brown as bronze     by many hands oiled,
our veterans     are verdigris.

How to Fix a Scooter

The footplate went first--     metal fatigue,
old welded joints     just wore out:
used wood instead,     bolted with u-straps,
firm to the frame,     brass 'cause it's flashy.
A washer was next,     wheels were askew:
headed to the hardware store     hammered on
an axle-cap push-nut.     OK, what's next?