Mabelle's Dungarees

Mabelle's dungarees
     all dingy n'
          dirty n'
               grubby n'
n' threads stickin' out like foxgloves 'n a daisy field.
She wears 'em for climbin' trees
n' crawlin' for bullfrogs,
n' sloppy mud brawls
n' eatin' sloppy Joes
n' Sunday mornin' Church.
Dear God, says 'er momma
Just
     toss
          out
               'dem
                    dregs!!
Nuh-ugh, Mabelle hollers
n' sticks 'er hands 'n 'er pockets
n' sticks 'er head up high
'Ain't neva gonna trade 'em for some pink ol' jumpers,
n' stay home bakin' cookies
like the girls
     'stead of shootin' at birds with a slingshot.

by D. M., Brookline, MA