Three Plays | Page 7

everythin' he
played, he played it good. Just like he uster drive steel. If I could whip

steel like John Henry, I wouldn't stay here and nowhere else.
Cliff Whut would yo' do?
Good Black I'd go somewhere and keep books for somebody.
Lonnie I know how to play John Henry.
Good Black Well, turn it on and let de bad luck happen. (As Lonnie
plays thru a verse warming up, all the men get interested and start to
hum. Cliffert shouts out)
Cliff Lawd, Lawd, what evil have I done) (They sing John Henry. At
the close, the woman who came to borrow snuff emerges from the
house still talking back at the woman inside)
Woman He ain't no trouble. I tole him, I says, "yo' must think youse de
man dat made side meat taste lak ham." See yo' later. (She exits
hurriedly. The crap game goes on until a band is heard approaching)
Lonnie Who dead?
Cliff Nobody. Don't you know de Imperial Elks is goin' to New York to
de Elks Grand Lodge? Yeah, bo, and they's takin' they band. Dat's
supposed to be de finest band in de United States. (The band
approaches followed by a great crow. The crap game is instantly
deserted and all follow the band)

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