Classic Poem

When alarm bells rang
We did not hear their clanging.
We trusted the guard, we were sleeping,
but the guard fell asleep too.
Wide awake as night came on, he dozed off
when thieves went on their rampage.
In our name he had gathered wealth
but sold us cheap when he ran short of cash.
So generous, he never rejected exploiters,
he granted everyone's request.

Don't be deceived by our grand leaders
there is no pulp beneath the outer rind;
You've lost sight of that galloping horse
that threw you down, then ran away.
Your mouth is shackled shut, and you
can only pantomime your misery.
A free man's freedom lies in silence:
if he should speak, prison will be his reward.

Breeze of Freedom, blow our way!
We're running short of breath. …
Over the West, sunny days prevail,
while in our East only a flicker flashes.
Even this flicker will die down soon:
When will we reclaim our sun's rays?