Songs from the Field

Verse 1: The grass is wet, the air sits still I watch you move before the day turns loud Your ears lift first, then mine follow too Each step you take, I place mine near Chorus: The gate swings wide and something starts in me I'm learning how to read what matters here There's work ahead I'm just beginning to see I'll learn to know what you already hear Verse 2: You stop—I stop—I don't know why yet Then sound arrives and now I understand The rhythm comes in waves I'm starting to catch Morning has a pattern I can't name Chorus: The gate swings wide and something starts in me I'm learning how to read what matters here There's work ahead I'm just beginning to see I'll learn to know what you already hear Verse 3: My legs know tired but my mind won't rest Replaying each moment, each choice you made Tomorrow I'll come back and watch again There's so much here I haven't learned to see Final Chorus: The gate swings wide and something starts in me I'm learning how to read what matters here There's work ahead I'm just beginning to see I'll learn to know what you already hear

Verse 1 Cold bites deep, breath cuts raw Snow packs hard, ice runs thin Wind slams left, I read the bend Three strides out, I choose the line Chorus Full pull, legs burn clean Steel runners scream behind We drive, we hold, we tear the trail I lead, we move as one machine Verse 2 I learned this run from three back down Watched the swing, felt the weight Seasons taught me where it breaks Now the front is mine to take Chorus Full pull, legs burn clean Steel runners scream behind We drive, we hold, we tear the trail I lead, we move as one machine Bridge Gangline hums, tension sings Breath of the team beats in my skin Brake hits hard, sled tilts right I hold the cut, we thread the ice Verse 3 Frost in lungs, shoulders fire Snow shifts soft, then locks like stone I read ahead, I feel behind We run until the lines go slack Final Chorus (variation) Full pull, legs burn clean Steel runners scream behind We drove, we held, we tore the trail I led, we moved as one machine Outro image Lines fall loose, weight goes still Wind dies down, breath hangs white I stand, I breathe, the trail is done The front is mine, and I earned this run

We climb where the pine gives way to stone The bells ring out - I count them as we go Each one I know, the lead, the lag, the lost The wind shifts west and I circle wide Chorus: Up here we're all that's needed The ridge, the flock, the two of us I read the weather in the air You read the route, I read them We've done this climb a hundred times before Verse 2: The footing changes - dirt to rock to scree My legs remember every switchback, every grade One bleats wrong and I'm already moving Keeping them together, keeping them safe Chorus: Up here we're all that's needed The ridge, the flock, the two of us I read the weather in the air You read the route, I read them We've done this climb a hundred times before Bridge: The air gets thin but carries sound for miles I hear what's coming long before you see A cloud formation, pressure in my bones Time to move them faster up the slope Verse 3: The last bell finds its place as light fades down Another day of climbing, everyone accounted for The high meadow holds them through the night Tomorrow we'll do this all again Final Chorus: Up here we're all that's needed The ridge, the flock, the two of us I read the weather in the air You read the route, I read them We've done this climb a hundred times before Outro: And we'll do it a hundred more Up here, that's the work, what we're built for

Verse 1 Grass bends low, the air runs sharp I taste the drift, it splits in three Old sign fades, fresh cuts clean I hold my breath, the point locks tight Chorus Scent on the wind, I read, I know Your hand drops and the signal flows We move as one through cover deep The flush explodes, the shot runs loud Verse 2 I’ve worked these fields through frost and rain Learned the weight of water cold Marked the fall across the ridge Brought it back with steady hold Chorus Scent on the wind, I read, I know Your hand drops and the signal flows We move as one through cover deep The flush explodes, the shot runs loud Bridge Three scents fight, I sort the truth Wind shifts left, I cut and freeze The grass goes still, the wings erupt I break like fire, I run the mark Verse 3 Feathers press against my teeth Legs burn hard through tangled stems I place the weight, your hand takes hold We turn again, the air still speaks Final Chorus (variation) Scent on the wind, I read, I know Your hand drops and the signal flows We worked as one through cover deep The day runs long, the signs keep calling Outro image Cold water clings, my muscles ache The field lies quiet, dusk runs low I taste the air—still sharp, still true Tomorrow waits where the wind will go

Verse 1: The stars wheel slow, the flock dreams on I walk the edge of what they know The night brings sounds they'll never hear I sort them all, I know which ones matter Chorus: I stand between the dark and them You sleep because I'm awake The perimeter is mine to hold Nothing passes that I don't allow Verse 2: The wind shifts, brings news I've learned to read Familiar scents and one that doesn't fit I move to check - just presence, nothing more The threat decides to find another path Chorus: I stand between the dark and them You sleep because I'm awake The perimeter is mine to hold Nothing passes that I don't allow Bridge: My eyes stay sharp though body wants to rest Another circle, legs know every step This cold, this dark, this watching - it's the work They'll never know what didn't happen here tonight Verse 3: A hundred nights I've walked this same patrol Learned which sounds need action, which can wait The silence isn't empty - it's my doing Prevention is the work they'll never see Final Chorus: I stand between the dark and them You sleep because I'm awake The perimeter is mine to hold Nothing passes that I don't allow Outro: The eastern sky shifts pale My watch is once again done Until the setting of the sun

Verse 1: The stars wheel slow, the flock dreams on I walk the edge of what they know The night brings sounds they'll never hear I sort them all, I know which ones matter Chorus: I stand between the dark and them You sleep because I'm awake The perimeter is mine to hold Nothing passes that I don't allow Verse 2: The wind shifts, brings news I've learned to read Familiar scents and one that doesn't fit I move to check - just presence, nothing more The threat decides to find another path Chorus: I stand between the dark and them You sleep because I'm awake The perimeter is mine to hold Nothing passes that I don't allow Bridge: My eyes stay sharp though body wants to rest Another circle, legs know every step This cold, this dark, this watching - it's the work They'll never know what didn't happen here tonight Verse 3: A hundred nights I've walked this same patrol Learned which sounds need action, which can wait The silence isn't empty - it's my doing Prevention is the work they'll never see Final Chorus: I stand between the dark and them You sleep because I'm awake The perimeter is mine to hold Nothing passes that I don't allow Outro: The eastern sky shifts pale My watch is once again done Until the setting of the sun

Verse 1 Dawn fog hangs; mud grips the bank. Shots crack thin; wings beat the gray. I mark two falls through morning fog. You read the sky; I hold the points. Feet leave the bank; cold takes the knees. Chorus Cold climbs my legs; I don’t slow. Water pulls hard; I go straight. The fetch is work; the rest is noise. Mouth stays soft; lungs burn cold air. Verse 2 Current slides slant; reeds rake the coat. Mud sucks heels; deadfall snags ribs. I hold three marks in a straight line. First left in grass, second far right. Third past the log where the scent bends. I take the bend; I keep the head. Chorus Cold climbs my legs; I don’t slow. Water pulls hard; I go straight. The fetch is work; the rest is noise. Mouth stays soft; lungs burn cold air. Verse 3 Weight in my teeth, I breathe side-long. Bank rises dark; I step and give. Weight leaves my mouth; work sits quiet.

erse 1: The weight settles and I lean in Harness pulls tight across my chest The load is ours to move today You guide the way, I pull it through Chorus: Cobblestones count the rhythm out Step by step, we haul it home My shoulders know this load by heart We carry what the day requires Verse 2: The surface changes under my feet Dirt gives easier than the stone I adjust my pace, I know this route Every grade, every turn by feel Chorus: Cobblestones count the rhythm out Step by step, we haul it home My shoulders know this load by heart We carry what the day requires Bridge: The work builds muscle, builds the trust That I'll be here when loads need moving Breathing finds its rhythm, legs find pace This is what I'm built to do Verse 3: Hardware jingles with each step I take The wheels roll steady when I pull it right Heat rises from the effort but I don't slow Useful strength - that's what I bring Final Chorus: Cobblestones count the rhythm out Step by step, we haul it home My shoulders know this load by heart We carry what the day requires Outro: Tomorrow morning, same harness, same road The work will wait and I'll be ready That's the job

Verse 1: I'm on duty when the coffee starts to brew Every sound, every scent - I know what's coming next The cutting board comes out, I take position You work above, I manage what falls below Chorus: I patrol the tile from dawn 'til dishes done Every crumb's accounted for, every plate gets checked You think you're tall, but I see everything that matter And maybe I'm the one who's getting fatter Verse 2: Strategic placement is an art you've never learned I'm under the table before the first fork drops You think you've cleaned it? I verify your work Standards don't maintain themselves around here Chorus: I patrol the tile from dawn 'til dishes done Every crumb's accounted for, every plate gets checked You think you're tall, but I see everything that matter And maybe I'm the one who's getting fatter Bridge: The dishwasher's my competition, sure But I'm faster and more thorough, always have been Three steps ahead of every meal you make Quality control starts at ground level - that's the job Verse 3: Footsteps mean repositioning - I'm already moving Optimal observation points, I know them all Short legs, long shifts, I've mapped this territory You may think you're cooking - I'm running operations Final Chorus: I patrol the tile from dawn 'til dishes done Every crumb's accounted for, every plate gets checked You think you're tall, but I see everything that matter And maybe I'm the one who's getting fatter Outro: Another day, all standards maintained Not a crumb unaccounted for The kitchen's secure - my work here is done Come morning, back to round one

Verse 1 Morning dust dries on my legs and chest Sun leans high; shade pools under the elm Breath slows beside; we both go quiet Flies tick ears; I twitch and settle still Hay scent rises; cool ground holds my ribs Chorus The shade holds still, the heat holds back For now the day permits this pause We’ll move again when shadows stretch Verse 2 Chickens scratch slow circles in the dust Bees drone thick by the trough and gate Water in barrels warms to the skin My legs feel worked, not empty or weak We’ve done the fence line; gates sit quiet Chorus The shade holds still, the heat holds back For now the day permits this pause We’ll move again when shadows stretch Bridge Heat hums steady; shade paints my side Many noon shadows have held me like this Verse 3 Wind slides low through corn and along pens The shade holds still; I hold still too

Verse 1: The scent is old but I can still read Faint threads in the dirt, hours gone cold My nose sorts the layers, finds the one Time pulls against me, fading the trail Chorus: I won't lose this, not today Every step matters, every choice The ground speaks if I listen close enough I'll find what I was sent to find Verse 2: The surface changes, pavement holds nothing I cast wide, searching for where it picks up There—beneath the leaves—a trace remains I commit to it though it's barely there Chorus: I won't lose this, not today Every step matters, every choice The ground speaks if I listen close enough I'll find what I was sent to find Bridge: My neck aches from hours nose to ground My mind stays sharp though body begs to rest I backtrack, try again, refuse to quit This is what I do when it gets hard Verse 3: The wind has scattered it but threads remain I sort contamination from the trail I need Experience tells me where to look next Trust the faint when there's nothing else Verse 4: The scent strengthens—finally, finally The trail narrows, leads me to the end I stop and signal: here, this is it Relief washes through me—it's done Final Chorus: I didn't lose this, not today Every step mattered, every choice The ground spoke and I listened close enough I found what I was sent to find Outro: The trail ends here My work is done Now comes the good part— Time to play, time to run

The air sits wrong, pressure's dropping fast The west goes dark, clouds building tall They feel it too, starting to move restless We read the signs - this one's not small When the storm comes we read the signs When the storm comes we move as one You trust my calls, I trust your lines Together is how we get things done I'll push from behind, get them moving I'll lead them toward the gate They're nervous, fighting the direction I know - just keep the pressure on When the storm comes we read the signs When the storm comes we move as one You trust my calls, I trust your lines Together is how we get things done Wait - three broke left toward the ridge I see them - should I go? If you go, I can't hold the rest alone If I don't, we lose them for sure The time - we're running out of time I'm going - keep them moving forward Hurry - I don't know how long I can hold The main group's pulling against me hard They want to scatter, I'm losing grip The wind's so strong now, I hear thunder Where is he? Did he get them back? The ridge is steep, they're panicked, climbing I'm trying to turn them, cut them off My legs are burning, lungs are screaming I don't know if I can bring them down in time I've got them - heading back your way I see you - the gate's just ahead We might make this - push, push harder Everyone together now - move! The gate's in sight, we're almost there Thunder's cracking, first drops falling I count them through - eighteen, nineteen, twenty One more - there - everyone's in When the storm comes we read the signs When the storm comes we move as one You trust my calls, I trust your lines Together is how we get things done We stand together, catching our breath Could have gone wrong in so many ways The storm rages and we were scared to death We did what we could And today, that was And today, that was enough When the storm comes we read the signs When the storm comes we move as one You trust my calls, I trust your lines Together is how we get things done

The air sits wrong, pressure's dropping fast The west goes dark, clouds building tall They feel it too, starting to move restless We read the signs - this one's not small We need to move them now, not wait The storm's coming faster than we thought How much time before it breaks? We guess, we hope - there's no way to know for sure I'll push from behind, get them moving I'll lead them toward the gate They're nervous, fighting the direction I know - just keep the pressure on We're making progress, closing distance But the wind's picking up too fast The light's going dark, temperature's dropping Will we make it? We're pushing hard Wait - three broke left toward the ridge I see them - should I go? If you go, I can't hold the rest alone If I don't, we lose them for sure The time - we're running out of time I'm going - keep them moving forward Hurry - I don't know how long I can hold The main group's pulling against me hard They want to scatter, I'm losing grip The wind's so strong now, I hear thunder Where is he? Did he get them back? The ridge is steep, they're panicked, climbing I'm trying to turn them, cut them off My legs are burning, lungs are screaming I don't know if I can bring them down in time I've got them - heading back your way I see you - the gate's just ahead We might make this - push, push harder Everyone together now - move! The gate's in sight, we're almost there Thunder's cracking, first drops falling I count them through - eighteen, nineteen, twenty One more - there - everyone's in The gate swings shut as the sky opens up Rain comes down in sheets, wind howling We made it - barely - everyone's safe This time we got it right This time We stand together, catching our breath Could have gone wrong in so many ways The storm rages but they're all inside We did what we could And today, that was enough

"Snow Bound" Verse 1: The mountain holds its breath in white Sound dies in the depth of it I work the grid, each step placed true Cold reaches deep but I keep moving Chorus: Beneath the silence, something calls I sort the faint from nothing Training holds when conditions don't I do the work the way I'm trained Verse 2: Snow resists but I push through My breathing's loud in all this quiet The beacon guides but scent confirms I trust what my nose tells me Chorus: Beneath the silence, something calls I sort the faint from nothing Training holds when conditions don't I do the work the way I'm trained Bridge: My body wants to stop - I don't The cold affects us both down here But someone's waiting, buried deep And I'm the one who finds them Verse 3: The signal strengthens, scent appears I narrow the search, commit to spot I stop and signal: dig here, now You trust where I say, every time Final Chorus: Beneath the silence, I found them I sorted the faint from nothing Training held when it mattered most I did the work I'm trained to do Outro: The search is done I did what I could The mountain keeps its silence But not today

Verse 1: The fire's warm, my old bones settle in I watch the young ones learning in the yard Their ears perk first—I know that move by heart I was that eager once, when mornings called Chorus: My legs remember trails my eyes can't follow The weight of work, the pull of useful days We've carried what the years required of us This rest is different—it's the kind that stays Verse 2: Your hand rests near, no words between us now We've worked so long that silence says enough The scars I carry tell the only truth I need Each one was earned doing what mattered most Chorus: My legs remember trails my eyes can't follow The weight of work, the pull of useful days We've carried what the years required of us This rest is different—it's the kind that stays Bridge: I don't go far these days, but I went far enough The dew-soaked grass, the gates that swung at dawn The rhythm that I learned to read and trust All of it lives here in these tired limbs Verse 3: The kid just stops and looks my way tonight Trying to learn what I no longer need to teach My shoulders know the answer in their ache The work gets done—it always does—without me now Verse 4: The flames dance low, the evening settles down Your breathing slows, mine matches like it always has We've earned this quiet, you and I, together The years were good, we did the job as best we could Final Chorus: My legs remember trails my eyes can't follow The weight of work, the pull of useful days We've carried what the years required of us This rest is different—it's the kind that stays Outro: The fire's warm, the work is done and done well I'm here, you're here, and that's enough That's enough November 14, 2025 at 1:20 PM

It's two in the morning, I'm sleeping just fine When the first rumble of thunder crosses the county line I know what's coming, I've seen this show before In about three seconds there'll be dog claws on the floor Verse 2: And sure enough, here he comes - Chip, my Australian Shepherd Fifty pounds of muscle, brain, and weather-related terror He takes a running leap, lands square on my chest Shaking like a paint mixer - this is gonna be a long night, I guess Chorus: That's fifty pounds of pure Australian panic Trembling like a leaf in a hurricane Every time I push him off, he's back in half a second flat That dog's convinced I'm his personal storm drain Verse 3: I try reasoning with him - "Chip, you're fine, it's just some rain" He looks at me like I'm insane, shakes harder, digs in his claws again I try the gentle approach, pet him, calm voice, the works He appreciates the gesture but he's staying put, that much is clear Verse 4: My wife says "Just let him stay, he'll calm down eventually" I would, except he's positioned right on top of my bladder, see And every thunderclap makes him flinch and readjust his weight I'm being used as a mattress by a dog who's lost all sense of fate Chorus: That's fifty pounds of pure Australian panic Trembling like a jackhammer on my ribs Every time I shift position, he just settles in deeper Like I'm the only safe place for miles, according to him Bridge: I've tried everything - treats, his bed, even opening the closet door "Here boy, hide in here" - nope, he wants the human-mattress floor My wife's right there, two feet away, perfectly available But no, apparently I'm the only acceptable storm-proof table Verse 5: Three hours later, storm's moved on, first light coming through Chip hops off, stretches, looks at me like "What's wrong with you?" Trots to his breakfast bowl, tail wagging, not a care in sight While I'm lying here cataloging bruises from my Australian anchor's night Final Chorus: That was fifty pounds of pure Australian panic Shaking like a pneumatic drill on my chest And next time thunder rolls through at two in the morning I'm sleeping in the truck - Chip can have the bed, I need some rest Outro: But I know what'll happen - I'll hear scratching at the truck door That Australian face pressed to the window, looking pitiful and small And I'll let him in, and he'll shake, and I'll sigh Because that's what you do when your dog thinks you're the only safe place when the sky falls

Morning starts the same way every day I wait by the door, she finds my shoulder Takes a breath, steadies herself "Ready?" she asks - her voice a little tight I'm always ready That's my job We reach the corner, traffic's moving Light hasn't changed, so I stop She shifts her weight, her hand tightens on me I feel the question before she asks it "We wait," I tell her with my stillness Three seconds, maybe four Then we go Every step, I see for both of us Every choice, I make for both of us She trusts me with her life Every single day That's the weight I carry It's what I do She talks while we walk - constant commentary Asks if lights are broken, if cars are waiting Tells me all doors are trying to kill her I've learned not all her questions need answers Sometimes she just needs to hear her own voice Needs to know I'm listening I'm always listening Crowd ahead, I move us left Stroller, briefcase guy, someone stopped looking at their phone She doesn't see them, but she feels me shift "What is it?" she asks Nothing dangerous, just obstacles I navigate, she follows This is Tuesday Every step, I see for both of us Every choice, I make for both of us She trusts me with her life Every single day That's the weight I carry That's the thing I do Subway platform, train approaching She grips tighter - crowds make her nervous I stand close, let her know I'm here "Stay close," I remind her with my shoulder She laughs that nervous laugh "When am I not close?" she says Fair point We're kind of a package deal People don't see what I do The thousand small decisions Stop at this curb, not that one Three steps here, door swings left Gap between train and platform Every choice matters Every single one She pats my head when we arrive "Good boy, Max," she says Like I'm doing her a favor Like keeping her alive is just something I do Well I guess it is something I do But it's not nothing It's everything Every step, I see for both of us Every choice, I make for both of us She trusts me with her life Every single day That's the weight I carry That's the only thing for me Tomorrow morning she'll find my shoulder Take that breath, steady herself Ask if I'm ready And I'll be ready Same as always Because that's what we do Every step Together

Verse 1: I was sleeping peaceful, dreaming about work When the rumbling started - that's when things get dark The sky makes the angry noise, the bright flash comes after I know what this means: the world is ending, disaster Verse 2: I need to get to safety - there's only one safe place The sleeping human, specifically his face I take a running start from across the room Land right on his chest - he makes a "oof" sound, I assume Chorus: The sky is falling, the world's coming apart The only safe place is on top of this heart He tries to move me but I jump right back This human's my bunker when the universe cracks Verse 3: He keeps pushing at me, making sounds like "Chip, get off" But he doesn't understand - outside is death and doom and loss The bright lights flash, the angry sky keeps shouting If I leave this spot, there's no telling what'll happen, I'm not doubting Verse 4: The other human says "Just let him stay up there" She gets it, she understands, she knows about the scary air But my human keeps trying to slide me to the side I just climb back up - this isn't about pride, it's about survival, I tried Chorus: The sky is falling, the world's ending tonight The only safe place is right here, holding tight I know I'm shaking but I can't make it stop This human's my shelter when the heavens drop Bridge: Maybe if I press closer, maybe if I get lower Maybe if I distribute my weight from his shoulder to his knee-over He makes more sounds but I can't focus on words right now The sky is screaming and I need to be here, somehow Verse 5: Hours pass, or maybe years, it's hard to tell But eventually the angry sky stops trying to kill us, it fell Wait - the nightmare's over? The morning's here? We survived? I hop down, stretch, time for breakfast - I feel so alive! Final Chorus: The sky was falling but we made it through Because I stayed right there and protected him too He seems tired, I don't know why - the danger's past We're both fine now, thanks to me holding fast Outro: He's looking at me strange, like I did something wrong But I saved us both, so I don't know what's going on Tonight I'll sleep peaceful, knowing I'm prepared Next time the sky falls, I know exactly where My human doesn't move as fast as he should But I'll get him to safety, I'm that good

Once upon a midday dreary, while I rested, worn and weary Came a tapping, ever-rapping at my chamber's metaphoric door "'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my resting floor— Only this Australian—nothing more" But the tapping grew insistent, his attention quite persistent Every moment of my solitude he seeks to now ignore In my face his tennis ball he's flinging In my ears his cheerful barking ringing While I long for peaceful silence evermore "Leave me be!" I cry in vain But he returns again, again Too well-bred to make a scene, I suffer with propriety Quoth the Aussie, "Wanna play?" Every single bloody day This torment shall continue—evermore, evermore I could stop him—yes, I could, with a growl as any proper dog would But one mustn't be uncivil, even when one's spirit's poor So I endure with British bearing While he's jumping, bouncing, staring And my sanity walks slowly toward the door Is there no respite? No mercy? Must this persecution worsen endlessly? I am cursed to be too civilized To tell this pest to please be gone And so the torture carries on "Leave me be!" I cry in vain But he returns again, again Too well-bred to cause a fuss, I bear my cross with dignity Quoth the Aussie, "Wanna play?" Every single bloody day This torment shall continue— Nevermore shall I know peace Nevermore, forevermore And thus I lie here, contemplating darkness While he drops his ball upon my head... again

G'day love, I see you're restin' there But I've got this brilliant ball we oughta share! I know you're busy, I can see you're deep in thought But playtime's what I reckon you forgot! I dropped the ball right on your head—you're welcome, by the way I'm helpin' you remember how to have a proper day! You walked away? No worries, I can follow where you've gone! Personal space is overrated, mate, come on! She'll be right, mate, she'll come around I'm the best thing that she's found! Every time she walks away I know she really wants to play She's just playin' hard to get, I reckon Give it half a second— She'll be right, she'll be right, mate! Sometimes she makes this sighing sound I think it means she's glad I'm around! And when she closes her eyes real tight I reckon that's her way of saying "You're alright!" The more she tries to hide from me The more I know we're meant to be Best mates forever, that's the plan! I'm her biggest, bestest fan! She'll be right, mate, she'll come around I'm the best thing that she's found! Sure, she walked into another room But I'll find her pretty soon Tomorrow's gonna be the same 'Cause this is basically my favorite game— She'll be right, she'll be right, mate! (We're gonna have the best time!) Oi, where'd she go? No worries, I'll find her! *sound of bouncing* Ruby! Ruuuuby! I've got the ball!

I had big plans this morning, I was full of energy and drive Did some serious work patrolling the perimeter around five But now it's noon and I've made an important scientific discovery The sun has turned into some kind of heat-producing entity I can see the perfect spot from here - that grass under the oak tree Cool, green, probably ten degrees less than where I currently be But here's the thing about perfect spots that are way over there They require walking, and walking requires moving through hot air So this dust right here is good enough shade for me I've analyzed the cost-benefit extensively Sure, that grass looks nice, but this dirt patch is convenient And convenience, at this temperature, makes total sense if you think about it The chickens are doing their thing, scratching around like maniacs I admire their commitment but question their tactical approach to relax They're working in full sun, which seems like poor planning to me While I've strategically positioned myself where I can watch them for free There's work this afternoon - I'm pretty sure there's always work But right now the heat and I have reached a temporary truce of sorts My legs have informed my brain they're not available for duty The shade's informed my body that moving would be unruly Yeah this dust right here is good enough shade for me Could I find better? Theoretically But better requires effort and effort generates heat And I've done the math - staying put can't be beat Some might call this lazy, some might say I'm slacking off But those people aren't currently lying here in this trough Of perfectly adequate coolness, relatively speaking of course Everything's relative when the sun's become an unrelenting force My eyes are getting heavy, the chickens sound far away The heat's making everything shimmer in that particular way Maybe I'll just close my eyes for a minute, maybe two And suddenly I'm somewhere else, somewhere with a better view... In my dream the grass is endless and impossibly green And every single spot is shaded, the coolest I've ever seen The chickens bring me snacks, which seems unlikely but I'll allow it And there's a breeze, an actual breeze, that somehow knows about it There's a pond that's just the right temperature - not cold, not warm And no work exists here, it's been officially abolished by some kind of reform The afternoon lasts forever but in a good way And the dust has somehow transformed into something like a holiday This is better than good enough shade This is shade that's professionally made With bonus features like comfort and cool This is shade from the top of the shade school Then something - maybe a sound, maybe the sun shifting an inch Makes my eyes open up and I remember where I've been Still lying in this dust, still hot, still afternoon But I've been somewhere better, even if it ended too soon So this dust right here is good enough shade for me I've been to paradise and back, temporarily When the afternoon ends I'll get up and move around But for now, this dust is the best shade in town The chickens are still scratching, I'm still lying here The heat's still being heat, that much is clear But I've learned something important about the afternoon sun: The best way to beat it is deciding you've already won Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some more nothing to do...

Close your eyes little baby, let the stars shine bright I'm gonna sing you softly into sleepy night Just relax little human, Chip is standing guard Nothing's gonna get you while I'm watching the— SQUIRREL! Wait, no, sorry. Where was I? Right. Sleeping. Okay. Let me start again. Hush now tiny baby, dream of peaceful things Like tennis balls and belly rubs and— What's that smell? Oh no. Oh NO. The fox was here. Right there. By the fence post. Do you SMELL that? The AUDACITY. This is MY yard. MINE. I have MARKED it appropriately. And he just... he just WALKS up and... Anyway. Lullaby. Yes. Back to the song. Drifting off to dreamland on a cloud so soft The moon is rising gently and— Hold on. Up there. There's a vulture circling... actually there's three I'm sure it's fine don't worry, they're not looking at me Or you. They're definitely not looking at you. I'll just... I'll keep watching them. You sleep. One eye open. That's how I do it. The evening breeze is blowing through the live oak trees The crickets they are chirping, it's a night of ease The Canyon Lake is quiet and the— DEER! DEER ON THE PROPERTY! JUST STANDING THERE! DO YOU SEE IT? IT'S JUST... STANDING THERE! LOOKING AT ME! WITH ITS... DEER FACE! Ruby says I need to focus. Ruby thinks she's SO mature. Whatever. I'm mature. I'm singing a lullaby. That's very mature. Everything is quiet now, there's nothing to fear Your buddy Chip is here for you, I'm always near I'll protect you from the dangers and the creatures of the night Like porcupines— We don't talk about the porcupine incident. Sharp. So sharp. Why would an animal BE that? I just wanted to SNIFF it. The Canyon Lake is shimmering beneath the Texas moon And I promise little baby, you'll be fast asleep real soon The stars are like a million tiny treats up in the sky And I'm the best guard dog there is, I— The ceiling fan is spinning again. It's always spinning. Round and round. What does it WANT? Not now, Chip. Focus. You're a professional. When the morning comes I'll wake you with a kiss upon your nose We'll play outside together once you've had your baby doze I'll show you all my favorite spots, the trails I love to run But right now it's just sleeping time, the day is done See I can be responsible, I'm focused and I'm calm I'm the guardian of bedtime, I'm a soothing furry balm Nothing's gonna break my concentration anymore I've got this under— Actually... singing is exhausting... who knew... My eyes are getting heavy... I'll just rest them... just like you... I'll just... lay my head down... right here next to you... Still guarding... still watching... mostly... Those foxes better not... come back... I'll get 'em... tomorrow...

Close your eyes little baby, let the stars shine bright I'm gonna sing you softly into sleepy night Just relax little human, Chip is standing guard Nothing's gonna get you while I'm watching the— SQUIRREL! Wait, no, sorry. Where was I? Right. Sleeping. Okay. Let me start again. Hush now tiny baby, dream of peaceful things Like tennis balls and belly rubs and— What's that smell? Oh no. Oh NO. The fox was here. Right there. By the fence post. Do you SMELL that? The AUDACITY. This is MY yard. MINE. I have MARKED it appropriately. And he just... he just WALKS up and... Anyway. Lullaby. Yes. Back to the song. Drifting off to dreamland on a cloud so soft The moon is rising gently and— Hold on. Up there. There's a vulture circling... actually there's three I'm sure it's fine don't worry, they're not looking at me Or you. They're definitely not looking at you. I'll just... I'll keep watching them. You sleep. One eye open. That's how I do it. The evening breeze is blowing through the live oak trees The crickets they are chirping, it's a night of ease The Canyon Lake is quiet and the— DEER! DEER ON THE PROPERTY! JUST STANDING THERE! DO YOU SEE IT? IT'S JUST... STANDING THERE! LOOKING AT ME! WITH ITS... DEER FACE! Ruby says I need to focus. Ruby thinks she's SO mature. Whatever. I'm mature. I'm singing a lullaby. That's very mature. Everything is quiet now, there's nothing to fear Your buddy Chip is here for you, I'm always near I'll protect you from the dangers and the creatures of the night Like porcupines— We don't talk about the porcupine incident. Sharp. So sharp. Why would an animal BE that? I just wanted to SNIFF it. The Canyon Lake is shimmering beneath the Texas moon And I promise little baby, you'll be fast asleep real soon The stars are like a million tiny treats up in the sky And I'm the best guard dog there is, I— The ceiling fan is spinning again. It's always spinning. Round and round. What does it WANT? Not now, Chip. Focus. You're a professional. When the morning comes I'll wake you with a kiss upon your nose We'll play outside together once you've had your baby doze I'll show you all my favorite spots, the trails I love to run But right now it's just sleeping time, the day is done See I can be responsible, I'm focused and I'm calm I'm the guardian of bedtime, I'm a soothing furry balm Nothing's gonna break my concentration anymore I've got this under— Actually... singing is exhausting... who knew... My eyes are getting heavy... I'll just rest them... just like you... I'll just... lay my head down... right here next to you... Still guarding... still watching... mostly... Those foxes better not... come back... I'll get 'em... tomorrow...