burn me up quick

when they sing it true i eat up every word
for instance, sarah’s daddy was a railroad man 
who died not far from here
his head was found in the driver’s seat
and his body ain’t never appeared
everyone’s honky tonkin 
as i sink my face 
and shiver back the tears 
for the sake of social grace

i don’t know how i became a bare nerve aflame
and i don’t know how long i can hold fast 
long enough to move my goods i hope
because if this fire is not for giving
then may it burn me up whole and quick