So forgive my confusion if I hesitate,
It all must be written before it's too late.
The half of my memory that can't concentrate
Waits for a silence then starts to relate –
Chilli Powder is –
The tied paw of the red setter or
The wide jaw of the fed heifer or
The tried law of the sled fetter or
The side door of the bred debtor or
The snide snore of the bed-wetter or
The fried claw of the dead leper –
I'm sure it's one of these –
I'm sure it's one of these.
So forgive my confusion if I talk aloud
In training the powers of which I am proud.
The willing flesh scatters the memory's shroud,
As witness the many, so richly endowed –
Chilli Powder is –
The tied paw of the red setter or
The wide jaw of the fed heifer or
The tried law of the sled fetter or
The side door of the bred debtor or
The snide snore of the bed-wetter or
The fried claw of the dead leper –
I'm sure it's one of these –
I'm sure it's one of these.
So again, yet again, roll your memory's beads,
In thereby remembering all of your needs.
The starving may watch as this Englander feeds,
So sing your laments and Gretchaninov creeds –
Chilli Powder is –
The tied paw of the red setter or
The wide jaw of the fed heifer or
The tried law of the sled fetter or
The side door of the bred debtor or
The snide snore of the bed-wetter or
The fried claw of the dead leper or
The dried core of the red pepper –
I'm sure it's one of these –
I'm sure it's one of these.