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Instructions for Honey Ants


Work with the end of your dress
tucked up     between your legs.
Speak in whispers;    laugh silently;
do not whistle.   Whistling, especially,
brings bad luck.   Do not be afraid
to feel where you cannot see.
Disappear into the earth
with crowbar and billy can;
go down, maybe ten feet.
If you find them,  it is better
when children are waiting.
This is marangkatja: a gift.
Love what you are after.

(from Singing the Snake)

© Billy Marshall Stoneking