Fly As Raven

I know this without religion or philosophy...

listen or read:

I know how to fly
as a Raven,
strafing forest canopies with my wild horrible voice.

I know what it is to be conjured anew
from grief soaked ashes
with fresh bones that are made to dance.

I know how to walk through a winter so cold
it cuts flesh from those new bones,
making agony of every step,
until I arrive at my destination,
transformed into burning light.

I know this without religion or philosophy,
because I have loved
where others disdain.

I have trusted
when every charming face
told me not to.