Hattie Predates Contemporary Rap Principles

Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn’t, I’d be making $7 a week being one —Hattie McDaniel

Chiaroscuro servicewear

wraps each meaty crevice

a crisp scarf tied low

on the forehead  

holds audiences  

hostage           

to her eyes and voice.

Be a spangle

her own people said

an object we can want                        

to lick; show your night-

colored cleavage          (be like Lena).

But her paper chase

led to an old burnt tree

she hoisted herself up

the fat trunk of

stacking bread            

amid the branches

a little dough for the trouble

emerging crowned

in the largesse

of gardenias.