Quite Mad

Sittin' on the median
As wild and dark as mortal sin
Trickster wrapped in pretty skin,
Everybody's fool.

Laughter like a broken heart,
Labyrinth that you shouldn't start,
Here to play the trickster's part,
Breaking every rule—

He can lead you to redemption
If you'll give him half a chance.
Have caution when
The fox begins to dance.

Trick you twice and shame on you
Not all fairy tales come true,
Trickster come to see things through,
Anybody's guess.

Everybody thinks they know
How this sort of tale should go;
Trickster never takes it slow,
Uninvited guest.

He can lead you through the desert
In a strange and tangled trace.
Be careful when
The fox begins to dance.

Freeways make their own demands
Open skies and hourglass sands
Chances running through your hands,
Tricksters never pay.

So take the chance and make the choice,
Risk the whirlwind and rejoice,
Not every angel has a voice;
Tricksters never stay.

He can lead you without moving,
He's the prince of circumstance.
Being quite mad,
The fox began to dance.
Written on: 2009-01-08. Seanan McGuire