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Some dicty folks don't know the facts
posing and preening and putting on acts
stretching their necks and straining their backs.
They're moving to condos up over their ranks.
They lend their souls to the local bank
and buy big cars they can't afford
then ride around town acting bored.
My job at the plant ain't the biggest bit
but I pay my bills and stay out of debt.
I get my hair done for my own self's sake
so I don't have to pick and I don't have to rake.
I take the church money out and then I head across town
to my friend-girl's house where we plan our round.
We meet our men and go to a joint
where the music is blues and to the point.
Folks talk about me. They just can't see
How I work all week at the factory
then get spruced up and laugh and dance
and turn away from worry with a sassy glance.
They accuse me of living from day to day.
Who are they kidding? So are they.
My life ain't heaven but it sure ain't hell.
I'm not on top but I call it swell
if I'm able to work and get paid right
and have the luck to be black on a Saturday night.
-- Maya Angelou
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