Alive and Thinking

They speak, and We are told
that We ought to listen.

But if They are simply speaking,
and We are simply listening,
then who is thinking?
From where exactly
is our knowledge drinking?

They will attempt
to spoon-feed you ‘thoughts’,
and new ideas that they already tried:
Grand plans that they know won’t reach
The dirty corners of the country.

So the distance grows greater:
The House of Commons,
and the commoners.

An age of silence would be apt
for the new Political Master.
He will cut out your tongue
and hush your words,
whilst he himself
is praised for his poison
when delivered with all
his Eton Eloquence.

But whilst they exist
in their bold excess,
don’t let them erase
your own beliefs,
and think often of
your right to express.

If your ideas don’t agitate
those of another,
then surely you have forgotten
how to use your own head;
You are a man without passion,
you are already dead.