Lyrical Thursdays: No Loser No Weeper

Today's poem, on the last day of the Month of Love, talks a little about not wanting to lose love once it's been found.  The poem is called No Loser No Weeper, by well-loved poet Maya Angelou. Angelou grew up during times of hardship for many, when money was scarce and the Great Depression was flooding across America.  The loss of even a dime, as Angelou says, was cause for despair, and loss of property, even small things, was equally upsetting and unsettling.

The poem is best when heard in Angelou's own voice.  Years ago I found a recording of it online, but I can't seem to track it down again, except on a track listing for her CD, Black Pearls: The Poetry of Maya Angelou.  (You can hear a sample of it there.)  I love the way she pauses and laughs at parts, especially in the last stanza.  She really builds in the last two lines - no woman would dare cross Maya Angelou when it comes to her "lover boy!"  The last line as read by her reads something like,
"And I mean.........I really....hate....to lose something." If you can find a copy of it somewhere, let me know!  Meanwhile, enjoy, and happy Thursday!


No Loser No Weeper

"I hate to lose something,"
then she bent her head
"even a dime, I wish I was dead.
I can't explain it.  No more to be said.
'Cept I hate to lose something."

"I lost a doll once and cried for a week.
She could open her eyes, and do all but speak.
I believe she was took, by some doll-snatching-sneak.
I tell you, I hate to lose something."

"A watch of mine once, got up and walked away.
It had twelve numbers on it and for the time of day.
I'll never forget it and all I can say
Is I really hate to lose something."

Now if I felt that way 'bout a watch and a toy,
What you think I feel 'bout my lover-boy?
I ain't threatening you madam, but he is my evening's joy.
And I mean I really hate to lose something."