On Gossips and Public Opinion

by Mlle Olenska, cell block three

There is no defense in this kangaroo courtroom
And our amoral indignation is more than you can defy
You will not escape getting more than you're due
For we are judge, jury, prosecution, and your silent defense

All of this is your own fault, you know
Damn you for being happier than we
That's all right, for it won't last; we'll see to that
And your loneliness and isolation will make up for any ephermeral bliss

We love you, my dear
We're your friends
We only want what's good for you
What makes you agreeable
What's right
And since you don't know anything about those things
We'll help you get them
We'll ease snakes into your head and self-consciousness into your bones
We're very good at that, you know

We promise this won't hurt a bit
No, it'll be much more painful than that