Friendship

Please free me.

The iron locks are cold against my skin,

A heavy price for where my soul has been.

I’ve walked the floor until the light grew grey,

And watched the seasons bleed and slip away.

Enough of penance, enough of chains that bite,

Enough of clutching shadows in the night.

My spirit wears the fray of every score,

I don’t want to be punished any more.

The walls have tasted every silent plea,

The bitter salt of what it costs to be.

I’ve paid the debt, I’ve knelt upon the floor,

Just free me—I don’t want to be punished any more.

Let go the latch, let fall the heavy gate,

To trade this room for mercy, not for fate.

The world is wide, and I have paid the toll;

Just free the tether from6 my weary soul.