We sit here in silence, drinking our highballs,
Tongues trussed up. The walls have ears.
Speak freely these days and mayhem ensues.
You'll be called. You'll get threats. Your family
May have to move out of your house. You'll
Lose your job. "Free speech," it turns out,
Is only for people who dutifully parrot the party
Line. The rest of us have to shut up. Hence,
Our silence. Your highball, I trust, is okay.