WE WON’T HAVE TO FEED THE PEOPLE… ANYMORE

Mamma take the breakfast dishes…put ‘em in the sink
Papa’s going to the barn…he said he has to think
Lately all his memories are swallowed in a drink
Mortgage is due and we can’t pay…the farm is on the brink.

***But then we won’t have to feed the people anymore
When they take away our tractors and they… lock the silo doors
The corn and wheat will all be shipped in… from a foreign shore
So then, we won’t have to feed the people… anymore

Silence serves the supper table…papa reads the mail
Two days left to pay what’s due…an ordinary tale
But tender can’t be made with drought and thirsty soil that fails
Tomorrow might turn off the light…six empty faces wail

***

Lately everything we work for… is going to the bank
Papa sits and cleans his shotgun… with a look that’s pale and blank
Mamma’s always on her knees with prayers of hope and thanks
Tomorrow may be judgment day so… lord I’ll just be frank

***