Hush, little baby

Do not fret

I'm just lighting
my cigarette

I know you worry
and think I sit
way too close
to the fire pit

If I burn,

it will be for sins,

and not by the hair
of my chinny chin chin

See how the darkness
draws close to the light?

The Anasazi dance
in the embers tonight

I'm a Kokopeli

Help me pull my boot

Then, please tease my hair
and bring me my flute

Then, leave me alone

but, before you skidaddle,

please bring me my drum
and my old turtle rattle

I'm too busted up
and too old to roam
but the night
and the flame
make me feel at home

There's a panther,
pacing

and I can't keep up,

but it eases the chasing,
when he drinks from my cup

He stays in his cage,
inside of my head

purrs at his rage
until he plays dead

I do understand
that the past
has you hopin'
that the beast
is held fast
and the door
doesn't open

Me too
Me too

But, what can I do?

and the answer's
not found in

"if it was you"

***