Burn and shine, son

And keep your spirit clean

For this is not a dress rehersal

Junior phoenix



With your ash-filled eyes

Who will harbor your misfortune



Your mother says your father says

He does not want to tell you

(as if he didn't know you)



Behind the lighthouse

There's still the hole you made

Better fill it in or it will get you

So talcum powder

Is now your closest friend

Smooth and white and ordinary



Your father says your mother says

She does not want to tell you

(as if she didn't know you)



(and in the dream everyone is holding hands

In a circle and you heal...)



Do you remember

The taste of pemmican?

Then say hello to hiawatha

She's still frowning

At your puffy face

Overweight and barely breathing?



No one ever said a word

They did not want to tell you

As if they didn't know you

As if they didn't know you

As if they didn't know you

Burn and shine

You burn and shine...




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