Coy Dogs - Carrie Newcomer

There’ve been too many leavings to list in one place

Too many arrivals to ever retrace

And those have wandered haven’t fallen from grace

Just done a few things they would like to erase

And met with their shadows face to face

Up, on the ridge top the coy dog cries

It’s mother, a coyote with bright yellow eyes

A coy dog’s half friendly, the other half wild

Half is homebody and half is streetwise

It can’t help its nature and but God knows it tries

Star light, star bright

All the dogs are restless tonight

Leave on the porch light

I’ll be home after midnight

It’s all blessed and restless and up for debate

A season, a chance to alter a fate

But a moment can pass just because it can’t wait

And time hits you hard with a terrible weight

Like a rock to the forehead stamped with 'Too Late'

Star light, star bright

All the dogs are restless tonight

Leave on the porch light

I’ll be home after midnight

Our vision’s often faulty

We see but through the glass darkly

And yet we know deep down

When we hear the sound

When it speaks our name

The moon eats its center until it dissolves

Then conquers the shadow with a single resolve

Here’s to hoping for wholeness no matter how small

Asking the questions that cannot be solved

And following the ache of unnamable call

Star light, star bright

All the dogs are restless tonight

Leave on the porch light

I’ll be home after midnight

I’ll be home after midnight

I’ll be home after midnight