JANET BRICE PARKER
Artist • Poet • Author • Songwriter
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Janet Brice Parker

Talkin’ Bad

The English language has gone to pot. Is it “is,” or ain’t it not?
My mama taught me how to talk. I could say mischievous before I could walk.
My mama’s teaching I still recall. Shouldn’t bad English be against the law?
We live down here in the redneck South. “Ain’t her a pretty lady?” “Lawd, yes! Shut my mouth!”
But you won’t hear me complainin’— I love livin’ down here. Y’all just keep on talkin’, and I’ll cover my ears.

8-26

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