Once more he breathed the air of freedom

A free man for 26 hours, 20 minutes, and 43 seconds

A slave for all his life

Bushy beard stained with blood and perspiration

Eyes the story of a dog that's been kicked one too many times

Nails stubby and raw filled with dirt

98 and of little use; freedom price reduced

Free and his life was almost over

Beaten so much that when he breathed it hurt

But he would breathe a thousand breaths just to breathe in freedom

The riverbank called home is where he laid his head

No family nor trace of blood

Blood that is alomst all frained from his body

Blood vomited from blows of shovels

The times he lost so much blood he lost consciousness too

But he's lost so much more

Free and his life was almost over

A hunger that can't be satisfied

His food was scraps and others' trash

Apple core the banquet of his meal, a treasure worth searching for again

A thirst that won't be quenched

Of knowledge, youth, and dreams

Free andd his life was almost over

Early dawn approached; white man walked toward him

A gun was raised and a shot was fired

The sharp bang heard for miles

He crumpled to the ground

A lifeless body against the morning sun

A free man for 26 hours, 20 minutes, and 43 seconds

Now a free soul which will last a thousand lifetimes