How the Marten Got His Spots by Rob Quist

How the Marten Got His Spots by Rob Quist
Marten and Mink were brothers true, as any two brothers could be
Mink said “I’m a little older, you are my responsibility
You can never, ever be too trusting of any stranger that you see
I’ve been over the hill a time or two so Marten, listen to me”
(Chorus)
Don’t go over the hill, brother, you better stay close to home
If you don’t have a big brother like me, brother, you better just leave it alone
There’s a heap ‘a trouble over the hill brother, cunning and treachery
You never know when you’re gonna be needing a brother, a great big brother like me
(End of Chorus)
But then giving in to curiosity, Marten soon went over the hill
He saw Bear hanging out by the tipi, looking for a little time to kill
When she went back into the lodge, well, he foolishly followed her in
Bear said “take a seat” and then offered him a wooden bowl of pemmican
But as he reached for the dish, Bear grabbed his arm and pulled him into the fire
He struggled and screamed with all his might, the flames burned hotter and higher
And it scorched his coat, but he scrambled hard, finally he broke free
Running over the hill he could hear Mink’s words “Boy, you didn’t listen to me”
(Chorus)
When Mink got home to the lodge that night, no sign of Marten anywhere
When at last he pulled the blanket back he found Marten hiding there
When he showed his brother his burn spots Mink put medicine on his sores
And that’s how the Marten got the spots that he’ll wear forever more
(Chorus)