What does it mean to be free?
Could be different for you than for me

What has bound you in your life?
What has caused torment and strife?

For some it may be financial debt.
For others it’s freedom from being hit.

Life has the ability to do an awesome wonder
To change from one year to the other

My life has taken many turns
Through each one I have faced, I believe I have learned.

Though now I am responsible for myself and my son
I no longer have the burden of fearing someone

Can you say you are free?
Can you smile with ease?

Or are you still in place
Where your soul is tightly squeezed?

If you are, what will it take to free your own self?
What is that will give your mind wealth?

I remember a time when I feared the man who held me
I remember wishing so strongly to be free.

Now I am here, free from his anger.
Now I do that which I pleasure.

Getting to this place what task of great proportion
It didn’t come without sacrifice, and occasional exhaustion.

There are days when I wish I had some things different.
There are times when loneliness fills existence.

I would not do things different though, and
I am proud to be here, taking care of myself
With no man for me to fear.

No more hitting, no more violence
Alcohol induced anger is now a term used in past tense.

No more hands raised to me, no more threatening kill.
For I now own my will.

A will to achieve and a will to be free
This is my gift not from anyone other than me.

Thank you for freedom, thank you for strength.
Thank you for hope, and life with long length.

Let me not forget what it was like living in chains
Let me remember so I can cherish living free from his pain

What does freedom mean to you I ask again
Is it worth being free to take risks now and than?

Just ask one experienced and maybe you can learn
And maybe just maybe it can now be your turn.

Laura