She only ever walks to count her steps

Eighteen strides and she stops to abide

By the law that she herself has set

That eighteen steps is one complete set



And before the next

Nine right and nine left

She looks up at the blue

And whispers to all of the above



Don't let me drown, don't breath alone

No kicks no pangs no broken bones

Never let me sink, always feel at home

No sticks, no shanks and no stones



Never leave it too late, always enjoy the taste

Of the great gray world of hearts

As all dogs everywhere bark, it's worth knowing

Like all good fruit the balance of life is in the ripe and ruin