Ode to Liberty and Free Speech

How does a tyrant survive in power?
By ensuring the truth is never told,
But you have to be a very good liar,
To keep the people under control.

Despite this, eventually, lies tend to unravel
And when discontent has finally boiled over,
The people will never forgive the pell-mell
Destruction of their entire world. Ever.

And so… in the meantime…

How do you control their minds and speech?
First you must hold all the newspapers and TV,
So people can only receive what you preach
And you claim it’s to achieve democracy.

Then you ban opposition and protest by all.
If anyone does protest, the options are exile,
Prison, poison, or a fall. It need not be subtle,
Best not - or some may even follow the example…

Some innocent words are banned, you know.
Of course, it’s not a war. It’s just an SMO.
You cannot criticise the tsar or the war. But it’s OK
To abuse the West as terrorists and especially the USA.

Apparently, there is a secret list.
It’s so secret that no one will tell
What’s on it, or even where it is.
That’s a bit 1984ish - George Orwell…
Because of course we’re all equal.
But some others are more equal.
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

Sadly it’s true, as Navalny found out
He can’t use the words “roof” or “hut”
Now that they’ve been banned.
But Russian TV doesn’t care a bit,
Allowing lies, abuse and evil threats,
Uncensored filthy words of hate.
A tirade just the other day to slate
Bild’s journalists as “pederasti”,
Enjoying “anal pleasures”. No LGBT
Such a crazy game. Simply no shame.
“Svolochi”, he said, Solov yob his name.
To you that’s “bastards”.
Yob, you’re mad, it’s insane,
These words are allowed,
But still you can’t say “roof “ aloud
And you can’t write “blyad”
Or mention this bloody war!
Did I say it before? ****ь!

© Самуил В. Новник 2023
© Samuel V. Novnik 2023