Porcelain vase on the captain’s case

Shipping slaves to the southern states

While northern slaves in factories wait

In silent awe their breath they bate

Underground roads for railway boats

And he really would like to take your coat

Because he's standing at the door in a red-tailed suit

With a frilly white shirt and a black-toed boot

Now he’s ringing on the bell for dinner and juice

It’s pecan pie night with roasted goose

He strips himself down to a white loin-cloth

He warms up the crowd with a juggling act

Slipping the racket out of its case

He holds it up to his jet-black face

Over his head and down his sides

Over his hips and past his thighs

Northern masses waiting for the whistle

Longing for a supper full of rocks and gristle

Sixteen straight hours until their dismissal

Down their pale white skin sweat tends to drizzle

Breathing in coal while chillin’ in the mines

Coal black lungs while working on the lines

Immigrants wishing they could go home

With backpacks filled with games and prizes

Slipping the racket out of its case

He holds it up to his jet-black face

Over his head and down his sides

Over his hips and past his thighs