I will remember what I was

I will remember what I was.  I am sick of rope and chain—
    I will remember my old strength and all my forest-affairs.
I will not sell my back to man for a bundle of sugar-cane.
    I will go out to my own kind, and the wood-folk in their lairs.

I will go out until the day, until the morning break,
    Out to the winds' untainted kiss, the waters' clean caress.
I will forget my ankle-ring and snap my picket-stake.
    I will revisit my lost loves, and playmates masterless!

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