Rosie

Are you flushed my Rosie
Breathless now my dear?
Willie caught your coat
And dance you here
Once around the coffin
Once around the car
Once around the roses
In the mason jar

Are you flushed my Rosie
Breathless now my dear?
Willie kissed your throat
And danced too near
Back behind the roses
Back behind the shed
Danced you down and kissed
Your mouth so red

Are you flushed my Rosie
Are you feeling ill?
How many weeks since you had
Your dance with Will?
Back behind the roses
Back behind the shed
While the sun was setting
A bloody red

I’ll go to the city
I’ll go to the town
I’ll go see a movie
Buy myself a gown
You’ll go to the city
With your belly round
Go to see your Willy
Show him what he’s done

Are you flushed my Rosie
Breathless now my dear?
Willy said he knew you
Not from Eve
Pushed you out the doorway
Out into the street
All the street kids laughing
At your grief

Are you pale my Rosie
Are you pale indeed?
Walking with your rope
Off to the hanging tree
Back behind the roses
Back behind the shed
While the sun is rising
A bloody red

I’ll go to the city
I’ll go to the town
I’ll go see your Willy
With my pistol drawn
I’ll go get his money
I’ll go get his car
I’ll play the dad or aunt
Or we’ll go see the doctor

Are you flushed my Rosie
Breathless now my dear?
Have I caught your coat
And danced you here?
Once around the coffin
Once around the car
Once around the roses
In the mason jar

Fall 2000
New Orleans