Feed

When the whippoorwill sings and the pine trees sway,
Little ones, don't wander far away.
Stay by the fire where the bright sparks glow,
'Cause things in the dark ain't meant to know.
If you hear your name from the creek at night,
But Mama's inside by the lantern light,
Cover your ears and don't you go,
Some voices ain't voices you're meant to know.
If a lady in white comes walking the trail,
With a crooked grin and a tattered veil,
Look at your feet and pass on by,
Don't meet the witch's hungry eye.
If something scratches at your bedroom wall,
Don't scratch back and don't make a call.
Pull up your quilt and say your prayer,
Some things get stronger when they know you're there.
If the dogs won't bark and the crickets stop,
And the woods go still as a raindrop's drop,
Shut the door and tend the flame,
The old things know when you speak their name.
So mind your folks and heed this rhyme,
The hills get strange come nighttime.
Stay in the light till the morning's born,
And you'll wake safe with the crow of dawn.