Eau de Free State Project

NOTE: The opinions and commentary expressed in this essay are those of the author and are an exercise of free speech. They do not necessarily represent the views of Free State Project Inc., its Directors, its Officers, or its Participants.

Eau de Free State Project

by Philip Denisch

A question that I'm often asked, while walking down the street,
Is "What will the Free State smell like? Pray, what will my nose meet?"

I often answer with two parts, a what, and what will not.
To not know what you've missing, and what you haven't got.

You won't smell leather, all tanned shiny, on a many jackboot,
Instead a child's, dew-wet feet as hopping ov'r a tree-root.

You won't smell paper, in a moldy pile, wrapped up all in red tape,
Instead, perhaps bread or candy, with customers all agape.

You won't smell many burned out stumps and forest friends charred up,
Harvest old, planting young this owner's got his guard up.

You won't smell government housing; grimy and dirty and unkempt,
For people care for what they pay for - at least they may attempt.

You won't smell lust for power from some blathering politician
Free to live free days, our own lives are our mission.

You won't smell gunpowder issuing forth overseas on some fake pretense,
Maybe though, a well oiled tool that's used for home self-defense.

You won't smell superiority from one who thinks they better,
Than you your child how to teach and how to write a letter.

You won't smell blasting, bad-breath from the ones who want a clone,
Instead the crystal cleaness of those who'll let you alone.

You won't smell in your hands, that often, the filthy, federal, fiat money,
Instead the shiny, clean and golden coins that are so sunny.

You won't smell fear in faultless citizens each time they hear a siren,
For we trust the rule of law, and each of us is sovereign.

You won't smell paint that's splashed upon a gentlewomen's garment,
Respect for property have we, even if we think them varmint.

You won't smell deep frustration caused by the government's inflictions,
The liberty you have with us - unbounded by restrictions.

So I say to you, breathe deeply in the free air of the free state project,
And never again complain that you are lacking freedom's object.

(You didn't think I'd go not rhyming project did you? And please, if you eat garlic and Limburger for lunch - brush, thanks.)

Aug 6, 2002

The views expressed in this essay do not necessarily represent those of Free State Project, Inc., its Directors, or its Officers.