Not long ago, free speech was truly free
for all Americans who spoke their mind;
when wisely we agreed to disagree,
expressed honest opinion did not bind.
But now the thought police lurk everywhere;
they monitor facebook and twitter too.
Conservative opinions posted there
will bring opponents’ wrath down lewd & rude;
abruptly unemployed, you will be sued!
This a novelinee: 9 lines in iambic pentameter with ababcdcdd rhyme scheme. For dVerse poets’ MTB challenge hosted by Laura Bloomsbury.
a poem in my pocket 
Sep 15, 2021 @ 14:13:18
Yeah, I’m concerned about cancel culture and the impact to public discourse.
Sep 15, 2021 @ 18:00:59
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Sep 12, 2021 @ 18:05:21
Nothing is free and unguarded anymore. All our comments and searches in the internet are business inputs for the algorithm of the social media companies. Have to be careful out there.
Sep 13, 2021 @ 17:42:49
Too true, Grace.
Sep 12, 2021 @ 14:04:32
Trial by Twitter.
Sep 12, 2021 @ 11:28:15
Lynn,
Every generation seems to have to battle threats to liberty and we’re in the middle of such a threat now. Of course it always comes in the guise of virtuous protection, usually from conservative opinions. Your poem masterfully sums it up.
pax,
dora
Sep 12, 2021 @ 13:01:06
Peace to you too, Dora.
Sep 12, 2021 @ 10:51:09
I think we should all be worried about any type of threats to our free speech!
Sep 12, 2021 @ 13:00:12
Yep, thanks for your comment, Ingrid!
Sep 12, 2021 @ 10:25:38
I do not like cancel culture at all, but I do not like turning a blind eye to oppression either…
Sep 12, 2021 @ 12:59:37
I agree, Bjorn…we need freedom and justice for ALL.
Sep 11, 2021 @ 04:32:47
Perfect opener! Your novelinee message also underscores these novel times! Well said.
Sep 11, 2021 @ 09:49:50
Thanks for an interesting challenge for MTB, Laura!
Sep 10, 2021 @ 20:11:41
yes, I’m afraid speech is only free now if you agree with our hierarchy!