cowboys and indians

I
Let’s play Cowboys and Indians.
You wear the bandana
and carry the pistol
loaded with red
paper strips that go, “Pap!”
I can wear the feathers
and carry your paw’s axe.
Then I’ll dance and chant
and say, “How!”
‘til you take my teepee
and tie me up
under that there feeder
hangin’ high
in Maw’s tree. Later,
let’s go swimmin’
in Johnny’s pond
and catch tadpoles.

II
Let’s play Cowboys and Indians.
I’ll wear the ego
and carry the sickness
that wipes out your people.
You teach me
to plant corn – help
me survive the winter.
Then when I have
no more use for you
and your savage ways,
I’ll take your land
and make you my prisoner,
an example
to all who follow –-
wretched “heathens” I can hogtie
in the name of God.