Unsafe

I feel Singapore is unsafe
I've not felt it acutely before
I suspect people have felt this way all along
More in the 60s with the red fever around then

But today, 2019, I feel unsafe in Singapore

Unsafe to be a minority
I need to explain my birth here
My right to be be here

Unsafe to be seen at a play
Will that mark me as a rebel
Have to tell my friends not to post it or me on social media

Unsafe not just for me
For others
To Express their views
The machinations of state are behind those in power
Those without get crushed
Preetipls
Alfian
Low thia and sylvia and Preetam

What do they stand to gain by opposing the status quo
Why do they do it
Esp the last three
Opposition party
Like  death sentence

Here the powers that be
Name you
Enemy of the state
The rest shake their heads
Mutter under their breath
But set out the stakes
That keep that enemy out

In this country
You toe the line
Or else

You stand on shifting sands
Where a whisper can change policy
Yet you don't breathe a word
You learn to arrange your face
Take it all in
Make it all happen
And watch your soul die