Blacks In Tha 30’s

I remember bein’ Black in tha 30’s
decked out in my han’ -me-down clothes
‘n sportin’ a cereal bowl haircut
wearin’ socks exposin’ my toes.

I remember bein black in tha 30’s
‘n 3 in a bed side-by-side
2 up at the head … ‘n I footer
a toe in my mouth – could’a cried.

I remember bein’ Black in tha 30’s
eatin’ can beans, balony ‘n “bisc’s”
raidin’ fruit trees or else pickin’ berries
ta till in tha menu we’d missed.

I remember bein’ Black in tha 30’s
stick-hockey on col’ outdoor ponds
pitchin’ marbles ‘n playin’ tha hero
or singin’ some sad cowboy song.

I remember bein’ Black in tha 30’s
doin’ homework by dim candlelight
choppin’ kin’lin’ … a scuttle ‘n coal-bin
no heat in tha middle of night.

I remember bein’ Black in tha 30’s
drank water from neighbourhood wells
was better for balance … with 2 pails
‘cus what a sad mess if you fell.

I remember bein’ Black in tha 30’s
food, shelter, good guidance ‘n love
carin’ parents, relations ‘n church folk
with blessin’s from heaven above.

I remember bein’ Black in tha 30’s
at that time, I’d be rather small
‘n if I had a chance ta live over
l’ d not change one thing … none at all.