What’s Up There?

I was always used ta askin' momma all sorts of things

'N she was always ready with her answer -

My, was she smart, my Momma indeed.

In church today, Mistuh Brown - I mean - Mistuh Reverend

Talked all about the heavens

'N how we all gonna live up there someday.

Well, what he says is that all of us, even youngins like me,

We is gonna get us some gold mansions up there,

'N that I will be a princess!

So I turned to Momma 'n tugged the skirt of her long, yellow dress

'N I says ta her, "what we waitin' for, Momma? Let's go!"

First she shushed me because we was in church 'n gave that look 

Where I know she meant business

But then she leaned down real close ta me 'n says real quiet,

"I'll tell you later, sunshine."

          So I waited as long as I could - I really did.

When Mistuh Reverend was done with his speaking 'n Momma 'n I began ta walk home,

I knew I couldn't shush it anymore - I thawt I was gonna explode!

"Momma, why can't we go live in our big house with Jesus?"

All Momma did was just smile 'n giggle 'n squeeze my little hand with hers.

Why did she think I was bein' funny?

I gave her the look where this time I meant business

'N I could tell she was athinkin'.

After all that thinkin', she just says ta me that he ain't ready for me 'n her just yet.

That was all she said.

So I thawt nice 'n quick 'n asked Momma somethin' else, "Where is Heaven, Momma?"

'N she told me it was in the sky, just above my head!

I thawt really, really hard.

'N all of a sudden, I knew why I couldn't see Heaven -

I think God put the clouds in the way,

Since He ain't done makin' my golden castle yet,

He don't wanna spoil the surprise!

Boy, 'n I thawt Momma was smart!