Self-Pitying Raccoon

Annabel Kidd

Oh, dear friend, forgive me

For I left with no trace

Burned leaves on a fruit tree

While I buried my face

Well, fire licked at the wood

While smoke flew through the air

So few could not have stood

What your mighty oak dare

The choice was not your own

The roots ran far too deep

How the great big unknown

Of the world failed with heat

As soot filled up my lungs

My heart prayed for rain

How can speaking in tongues

Stop the fuel of propane

So when the fire grew near

My legs ran for the den

Branches grabbing in fear

You’re abandoned again

Your trunk was always sick

The saw you want readied

So fire’s terrible lick

Kept your poor heart steadied

It was not new to you

But for me, it was quick

Life had torn up in two

Lit by the candle wick

I cannot go back home

Or what may be left o’er

So, to new trees, I roam

I hope you grow clovers

Oh, dear friend, forgive me

For I left with no trace

Burned leaves on a fruit tree

While I buried my face

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