I fought hard and saw my skin peel back
From blows that thundered, screamed attack
Sweat poured and mixed with blood and mud
It fed the thirst with gore and crud.

I felt the rips of tendon springs
With fainting pain that numbed my limbs
I burnt, beating down my fists
Drummed the knuckles, broke the wrists.

I heard the whisper of a song
That burst from anguish, from every wrong
I heard it and nursed a growing laugh
I heard it: I am free at last.

The tundra forgave me with watered ice
And cold, I cracked my lips and smiled
Dancing in circles around no hearth
Frozen blisters thawed with death.

I sung to her, I sung to myself
and promised I'd never be silent again.

*And I am free at last
Winter comes dark and I laugh
I fought long, I fought hard
And I am free at last.