Our liberty is cherished in the breach; 
For people only pay their freedom mind 
When that which once was well within their reach 
Increasingly is difficult to find.
 
The thoughtless ones care not what they have lost; 
Mistaking license as the best in life; 
Deferring pleasure never; but the cost 
Is paid in human grief and social strife. 
 
When men cannot endure the lack of peace, 
“Law and Order” is their strong demand. 
Restrictions, rules and laws will then increase 
Their meek submission to oppression's hand. 
 
So license will exact a fearful toll; 
But freedom only comes from self-control. 

                                   --Gary Preble © 1998