Paroled, I step gently into the soft dawnlight,
I feed on the cold that wraps around my ribs,
And the little sleep that clung to my eyes is purified.

I am suddenly stunned motionless by the silence,
The difference is tangible in its almost gentle touch,
The oppression is lifted and my tears are called to reverence.

The morning is upon me, with it is rebirth,
The death of darkness at the holy altar of life,
And the birds, in rustled rhythm,sing to me of my worth.

And the baptism is complete, the water hath crossed my head completely,
I will live now  in the blues of the sky, the greens of the trees and browns of the earth,
I will make my home in the nests and burrows of the world, make my bed on the wind,
I will eat over the fire and bathe in the rain; soles on mud, I will make my way in the unknown,
This is my promise to you, I will reside in the beauty of this realm and seek it willingly.

"Are you cowards?" I asked, "Why do you try to escape.
Life is a teacher, heartless but wise."

In pity they looked upon me, as if for the first time.

"Sweet little soul" they answered,
"there is yet innocence in you, devoid of the demons we seek to ****."

I dreamt often often of this moment
This merging of our bodies
This dance that everyone plays with you
I wanted to show you I was different
But you had already built your home in the Tundra
I hadn't known how much you hated the summer.

Everyone thinks they live a happy life
A roller coaster that only goes up
But don't you know?
Behind the cheers and the laughter
The loudest and happiest people
Just put on a show
For others to enjoy
To tell the world
It hasn't got the best of them
Yet deep inside
They've lost
Defeated by their own demons
Thoughts, feelings
All in their heads
Poisoning them
Nonetheless they continue
To live
To laugh
To try
Until the happiness they show
Will actually be genuine someday