God Bless The Bottom Feeders

Someone told me that eating bottom feeders is a sin
But I grew up with the Holy Trinity– onions, green bell peppers, and celery
Our church wasn’t through those doors but in the kitchen
Hot sweat rolling down our necks like holy water, “Praise be!”

Someone told me that eating bottom feeders is a sin
But they ain’t never met a shrimpin’ man and the boat that provides for his kin
Or a workin’ noodler, sticking his hands into muddy holes
Hoping to God that a turtle doesn’t snap back, singin’ “Praise be!”

Someone told me that eating bottom feeders is a sin
But I take it very seriously when I stir the crawfish in their giant pot with the potatoes and corn
Knowing I’m cooking them just right, so their meat is juicy and tender
And that pot is used in the family for years and years, ”Praise be!”

Someone told me that eating bottom feeders is a sin
So I went to the church and I asked the priest and he pointed to the Bible
And He said, “I’ll tell you a secret.” He said, “Baby! We all bottom feeders.”
“We wrap ourselves around each other like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and we make love and oh Lord do we pray and do we sing! Praise be!”