44 Days of Witchery, Day 2: A Myth or Story from Folklore

There's a lot of myths and stories that I love, but today I'd like to introduce you to one of my favorite singers EVER and her take on the Trickster. S.J. Tucker has all of her music available on her website here, and she's just amazing. And about as pagan as you get. ;)

Trickster came a'calling To find a totem here 
To teach the foolish heart of man 
Without installing fear. 
Many came and many went And still the Trickster paused; 
Bear and Cat and Tiger tried but had too many claws. 
Dog and Wolf though wise indeed 
Had teeth t'were quite a fright 
And Owl with his tawny eyes could only see at night. 
"No," the Trickster said at last 
"Teachers, I see many. 
But My way is full of laughter and in you I see not any." 

But beneath the tree where Eagle sat 
Coyote told the tale 
of silly hares cavorting 
In the old country of Wales. 
Raven stared unto the sun 
And Crow sang awful songs 
And Rabbit sat a'listening 
With ears so wondrous long. 

"Aha!" The Trickster danced a dance 
Of mirth and vict'ry sweet. 
He leapt with joy and swooped a swoop 
And landed at their feet. 
"Of all here now," the Trickster said 
"You are the very Beasts!" 
And Rabbit said, "I'm sorry sir 
But of all, we are the least." 

The Trickster smiled and raised a hand 
And spoke: "I have a plan 
The four of you shall help me 
To teach the heart of Man. 
Raven with your love of light 
The Sun you'll steal and soon. 
For the gift of warmth I give to man 
To be the greatest boon. 
And Crow, you silly creature 
Who sings without a voice, 
Teach man `bout pride and helping 
You really have no choice. 
Coyote my friend, together we'll spin 
Many a tale at night, 
And show man by our naughtiness 
What really should be right." 

At last He turned to Rabbit 
With a twinkle in his eye 
"You'll be my favorite creature 
And here's the reason why: 
Your eyes are bright, your feet are swift 
Your ears hear round the bend 
But your very simple humbleness 
Will steal the heart of men. 
Together we shall thwart the pains 
The gods do throw to earth 
And turn aside their fiery darts 
With merriment and mirth. 
And when time comes that men forget 
The lessons animals render 
T'will be the humble rabbit 
That mankind will remember." 

And round the Trickster the animals thronged 
The birds and all the beasts 
And humbly bowed to the king they found, 
who thought himself "the least."

from Blessings, released 20 June 2007 
words by S. J. Tucker and Trudy Herring 
music by S. J. Tucker, based on traditional themes

This song has been illustrated as a children's book, available here.