Aaron Copland — Act 1 Scene 1: Two little bits of metal Ma Moss Beth

[MA MOSS] Two little bits of metal My needle and my thimble A woman has to sew her fam'ly's clothes Against the cold, cold weather Two larger bits of metal My wood-stove and my kettle A woman has to stew her fam'ly's food Against the cold, cold weather [BETH] I'll race you to the porch (She rushes up the steps.) Look, Danny… Did you ever see such green grass? Such cool water? (Looking out towards the horizon she suddenly sees something that breaks her make-believe mood.) Mama, the postman! There's dust way off on thе road It's Mr. Splinters' old car, I'm sure I can see it Will he bring Lauriе's dress? Will he? [MA MOSS] Easy now, Beth. Easy Maybe it's only the wind blowin' the dust [BETH] Oh no, it is his car. Danny, look at the steam It's boilin' like an old tea kettle Mother, look and see! [MA MOSS] Yes, it is Mister Splinters! Go see if he's bringing us something (Beth rushes off to meet the postman.) For as long as two girls are growing Are feeling and are knowing One cannot always bear a daughter's cares For when the child grows older And when the wind blows colder A woman sometimes knows that doors won't close Against the cold, cold weather