We walk with ease among the trees, <br />Feeling with delight, the gentle breeze. <br />Twenty long years, we dreamed of escape, <br />From the fear of murder, beatings and rape. <br /> <br />Never could we speak freely with a friend, <br />As the state was easy to offend. <br />Our thoughts of freedom we could not send <br />As listening ears the state would lend. <br /> <br />To send a letter, a dangerous task, <br />The authorities thought they were a mask, <br />For comrades who would like to try, <br />Freely to live, than captively die. <br /> <br />To speak in public was not allowed, <br />The police were nervous with a rebel crowd. <br />'An oppressive state', the speakers scorn, <br />'Hold your tongues', the police they warn. <br /> <br />Programmes censored from day to day, <br />Broadcasters limited in what they say. <br />Discussions about the state of the nation, <br />And the causes of rampant inflation. <br /> <br />And when the regime came crashing down, <br />The authorities could only frown. <br />Families kept apart for many years, <br />Showed determination through flowing tears. <br /> <br />But now together again are we, <br />We speak and read with thoughts so free. <br />Freedom can not be taken lightly, <br />Knowing that others are threatened nightly.<br /><br />John McKay Withey<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/freedom-19/
