(A Sharecropper’s Life)
Dust clouds rise
From the paths of clay
In the summer sun
Where doodlebugs play.
Rows to hoe
The old folks say
Before you rest
Where doodlebugs play.
Sweat pours down
No branches sway
Still gotta cook
Where doodlebugs play.
Black pot boils
It’s washing day
Loads to dry
Where doodlebugs play.
Church bell rings
From far away
Wagons roll
Where doodlebugs play.
Old folks gone
Still, I think each May
Times were hard
Where doodlebugs play.
And the children chant:
“Doodlebug, doodlebug
Come out to play
Ain’t gon’ be
No rain today.”
