My life was a minstrel show, filled with delight
With costumes and jokes and me working all night.
I dipped, spun, and someone who looked just like me
Was dancing and singing for all children to see.
With the shake of my hips, the curve of my back
came a laugh with great glee, and all their chips stacked.
I lifted my arms and they did the same
But theirs was much lower just a fun game.
I went left, then right, made sure to make my marks
Everyone gave them great praise and left me in the dark.
I was performing for 300, and the day I grew tired
They gave me their looks. I felt I was fired.
They pretended they knew me, but I knew the truth
Life wasn’t me and Mr. Bones, it was me and Ms. Ruth.
My limited vocabulary expanded, no doubt
They were shocked and awed I had learned decent clout.
So friends, my show’s over
Or at least on a pause.
I’ve packed up my makeup, my oohs and my awes.
My tricks and my sayings have dried like the well.
I hope my debts paid.
It’s my time to sail.
