Hill, James

Description

Transcribed by Nathaniel Lucy Told by James Hill Alma, Arkansas May 23, 1951 Reel 124 Tale: Isaac James Hill: And here is one that I heard something like that you had on tape the other day I believe. An old colored gentleman named Isaac felt like the whole world was against him and each evening he sought solace and prayer and his prayers would always end up with a petition. "O Lord, You'se got all the friends I've got. So please Lord, send me one of your angels for the gift of the soul of Isaac for I'se tired of this old world and I'se is ready for to go." A neighborhood prankster learned of this habit of Isaac, so to have some fun he preceded the old colored fellow to his place of prayer and concealed himself. Poor old Isaac poured out his heart to his Lord and then asked to be taken to heaven as usual. To which the prankster responded, "Isaac, I've come for you." "Who is you?" replied Isaac. "The angel Gabriel sent from heaven for the soul of Isaac." answered the prankster. "Lord, I say go back and tell the good Lord I haven't seen that nigger for most one month." Funding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation.

From Collection

Ozark Folksong Collection

Record Contributed By

University of Arkansas