Sleep, my little man-child, 

Dream-time to you has come. 



In the closely matted branches

Of the mesquite tree, 

The mother-bird has nestled 

Her little ones; see 

From the ghost-hills of your fathers, 

Purpling shadows eastward crawl, 

While beyond the western sky-tints pale 

As twilight spreads its pall. 



The eastern hills are lighted, 

See their sharp peaks burn and glow, 

With the colors the Great Sky-Chief 

Gave your father for his bow. 

Hush my man-child; be not frighted, 

'Tis the father's step draws nigh. 

O'er the trail along the river, 

Where the arrow-weeds reach high 

Above his dark head, see 

He parts them with his strong hands, 

As he steps forth into view. 

He is coming home to mother, 

Home to mother and to you. 

 

Sleep my little man-child, 

Daylight has gone. 

There's no twitter in the branches, 

Dream-time has come.