Like a razor, the sunrise slashes into our eyes
Like magic, triggers silently snap their ties
Talk of the devil, these snipers draw level.
From some rank stream rise these sharp dragonflies.
So with a wild will we’ll drive in, into this revel.

We lie down on our fronts, our teeth out of sight
Even those who break through the red flags- in flight
Seek hidden wolf holes with sensitive footsoles;
Even those who can outrun the shot from a gun
Are shivering and sweating as fear takes control.

Life smiles at wolves? Where do I begin?
We just can’t love life - the love is one way!
But death of course has a lovely, wide grin
And strong, healthy teeth on ready display.

So let’s smile at the foe, with our wide wolf-grin.
The dogs aren’t yet beaten, we’re still not done for
Tattooed on the snow, in blood therein:
Our signature - we’re not wolves anymore.

Tails tucked in like dogs, we crawl slowly on;
Lifting surprised snouts to the sky, we move on.
Maybe harsh reprisals have poured from the skies -
Or it’s the end of the world and our minds have been curled -
But we’re knocked flat by steel dragonflies.

We’re drenched in blood as the guns rain down.
We accept our fate; yes, we’ll stand our ground.
The heat of our bellies melts the frozen snow.
This carnage began not with God but with man!
Some are flying. Some are running. Let them go. Let them go!

Don’t mess with my pack, dogs - that understood?
In a fair fight, we’d beat you to the last breath.
Yes, we are wolves, and our wolves’ life is good:
You are dogs and, for you, it will be a dog’s death.

So let’s smile at the foe, with our wide wolf-grin -
To scotch the gossip in this canine war.
Tattooed on the snow, in blood therein:
Our signature - we’re not wolves anymore.

To the forest - it’ll save at least some of you!
Run, run fast, then it’s harder to kill you!
Run fast, run like hell, save the wolf cubs as well
I’m on a mad run past half-drunk men’s guns
And I cry for the lost souls of wolves with each shell.

Those still alive, beyond the bank lying low.
What can I do alone? Nothing, I know.
My vision is grey. My instincts fade away.
Oh wolves, where are you? Forest beasts, where are you?
Where are you, my yellow-eyed braves?

I’m alive, yes - but now I’m boxed in
By those beasts that never heard a wolfs cry
They are canines, hounds - our distant kin.
They were once our prey, you know, by and by.

So I smile at them all with my wide wolf-grin
Baring my rotten teeth in my rotting maw
But tattooed on the snow, in blood therein:
My signature melts - we’re not wolves anymore...