Not Without Laughter

Everyone in the neighborhood knows that Jimboy is home on Saturday because they can hear him singing the blues and playing his guitar. Hager, who only wants to hear hymns, tells him to put the guitar away. Now it is Monday night, and Jimboy is playing blues on the guitar, with Harriet stepping in to sing with him and dance from time to time. Jimboy tells Harriet she is as good as Ada Walker (a famous vaudeville performer). Hager tells them to stop, but they ignore her.

Their neighbor Mr. Johnson says the singing and dancing remind him of plantation days, but Hager tells him that the singing and dancing are of the devil. Harriet and Jimboy have no business singing and dancing in front of Sandy and Willie Mae. The children like what they see, however. Harriet sings “Easy Rider,” and a recent breakup and the sound of Jimboy’s guitar add a touch of authentic pain and longing to the song.

Annjee returns home and proudly tells Jimboy she has a piece of ham for him. Although he tells her he will come in to eat it soon, he stays out and continues playing and singing with Harriet.