children must learn how to listen, say
the corner men, snapping their sass
must learn how the square of life
makes random walls, tilted leans

do you tell them fairy tales, as you
chase with the dogs, run and howl
as you look for the nickels that some
how will rain, filling your pockets

they build castles, stronger than yours
taller and grander, not solitary
but if they learn how to listen, who
will be there, crissing and crossing

all whispers and lies, it's all gone
uneven, this life that you lead
rickety shadows that hide you away
say the corner men, whooping by day

and i think that i'm damaged, but i don't
know where, though i talk to the churchy
boys, forgiveness rolls on their tongues
raspy hymns go make their rounds

yes, i would teach the children, for
the world smells sweet,
there are dangers, which will take
them by the hand, as the day follows day