J. L. Hooker, Detroit, autumn 1967

Illicit sidewalk trades.
John Lee passed through.
Guitar case, folding chair
Hat for the money
That oughta do.


Drummer with his rolled joint.
Keyboard scampering true.
Handshakes from some crowd friends
Loving Hooker so blue.


Yeah blues were the numbers
stolen loves and liquor
Lyrics doubled and whined
Written by old John.
Soul pain defined.


Pimp from the outside
Strolling tables now
Girls right and ready.
Knows their stuff, and how!


“it serves you right to suffer.
the Motor City is burning.
house rent boogie.
think twice before you go.”


Travels with a Greyhound.
Suitcase packing light.
Life’s blood in riffing.
Night after night.