A Country that's not Free

What does it mean that a country’s not free,

And how does this impact on you and on me,

The ordinary people who work every day,

And over the government don’t hold any sway.

One thing that it means is the future’s quite bleak

For anyone daring to stand up and speak,

Pronouncing those truths which the state would prefer,

Were firmly kept hidden, at most being a blur.

Another it means is that no-one can live

Away from the constant requirement to give

Much information about what they do,

Whether they move or just start something new.

The government wants to keep close tabs on all,

Knowing their business, no matter how small.

Informers are everywhere, letting them know,

Who’s meeting who, everywhere they all go.

People feel they’re being watched, and they probably are,

For away from officialdom, few can go far.

In a country that’s free, no-one has any fear

That government informers might be in their sphere.

Free speech is normal, and people take pride

That only the truth need be used as a guide.

There’s no interference in most people’s lives

And the idea of citizens’ freedom survives.