Jumbee

In Port Au Prince the tall ships take on spice,
Brown skinned girls and the sailors they entice,
Sleep sweetly Baron Samedi, there Jumbee working in the fields.
I saw them once burnt black hacking at cane,
Feet dragging dust ankles swollen by chains.
Sleep sweetly Baron Samedi, there Jumbee working in the fields.
The Overseer he snakes his whip to the night.
And they stumble on goaded by its bite,
Sleep sweetly Baron Samedi, there Jumbee working in the fields.
In land where the sweet Magnolia blooms,
Shuttered moonlight bathes the white mans room,
Sleep sweetly Baron Samedi, there Jumbee working in the fields.