Red Beans and Rice
        by L.D. Sledge

Am I dreamin'?
Am I not?
I think them's red beans
in that pot.

Smothered down
with hocks of ham;
spices, onions
thank you ma'am.

Bet that's cornbread
in that pan.
Grandma can cook it
like nobody can.

Red ripe tomatoes
sliced and cold
I'm nervous a'waitin'
I'm growin' old

Slop them beans
down on that rice--
hot buttered cornbread
sweet and nice.

Lift that fork
to my lips a yearnin'.
I don't care
if my mouth's a burnin'.

I tell you what
wherever I roam--
If I got beans and rice
I'm right at home


L. D. Sledge