Fake Coups

It’s not unknown for rulers in some lands to engineer

Attempted coups to show that they have every right to fear

The dissidents and others who are lurking everywhere,

Waiting very patiently until the time they dare

To suddenly arise and try to oust the people’s choice,

Putting in a new man who will represent their voice.

But not all coups are real ones, and among the ones that fail

Some are merely fake ones, so the government can derail

Any thoughts of changes to the leader of the day,

Giving them the chance to put all dissidents away,

Rounding up opponents, and all others in their sights

Who might be merely working for just basic human rights.

Searching very thoroughly amongst their detailed files,

Arresting tens of thousands and with most perfunctory trials

Finding they are guilty, maybe executing some

And ensuring all the others aren’t around for years to come,

Silencing the press and forcing bloggers off the net,

Trying to keep hidden views they haven’t seen to vet.

A fake coup can be useful in consolidating power,

With the current leader being the hero of the hour.